Eggshell spheres protect brown widow spider ( Latrodectus geometricus) eggs from bacterial infection.

ABSTRACT: Eggs provide a rich source of nutrients for the developing embryo, making them a favoured food source for other organisms as well. Several defence mechanisms have evolved to protect the developing embryos against microbial threats. In this article, we elucidate the defence strategy of brown widow spider ( Latrodectus geometricus) eggs against bacteria. Antibacterial activity was shown by inhibition of bacterial growth on agar plate, liquid culture and retarded biofilm formation. The defence strategy against bacterial invasion was demonstrated in the whole egg, whole egg extract, egg surface extract, eggshell and eggshell extract. The source and characteristics of this antibacterial activity are distinctive and stem in part from a dense layer of spheres covering the egg surface, likely orig

SUBMITTER: Makover V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6364662 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature