Activity of Phosphofructokinase in Summer Honey Bees (Apis mellifera) of Different Ages

Abstract

Phosphofructokinase activity may be an indicator in the aging process of honey bees (Apis mellifera). This paper seeks to quantify phosphofructokinase activity in summer honey bees of different ages. Honey bee flight muscle was utilized in tests for enzyme activity of phosphofructokinase at sequential stages of honey bee development. Homogenized honey bee flight muscle was ultracentrifuged and spectrophotometric measurements were made. This study found that the enzyme activity of phosphofructokinase of honey bees of different ages is low at day 0-1 and high from day 4-5 through 19-20 day old honey bees. This study lays a foundation for the study of summer and winter honey bees.