The role of photo-electric properties of silk cocoon membrane in pupal metamorphosis: A natural solar cell.

ABSTRACT: Silkworm metamorphosis is governed by the intrinsic and extrinsic factors. One key intrinsic factor is the temporal electrical firing of the neuro-secretory cells of the dormant pupae residing inside the silk cocoon membrane (SCM). Extrinsic factors are environmental like temperature, humidity and light. The firing pattern of the cells is a function of the environmental factors that eventually controls the pupal development. How does the nervous organization of the dormant pupae sense the environment even while enclosed inside the cocoon shell? We propose that the SCM does this by capturing the incident light and converting it to electricity in addition to translating the variation in temperature and humidity as an electrical signal. The light to electricity conversion is more pronounced w

SUBMITTER: Tulachan B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4764832 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature