Resilin in the flight apparatus of Odonata (Insecta)-cap tendons and their biomechanical importance for flight.

ABSTRACT: In Odonata, a direct flight mechanism with specialized tendons evolved. One particular adaptation, the implementation of the rubber-like protein resilin in these cap tendons, might be of major importance. Although resilin was first described in one tendon of Odonata, to our knowledge no comprehensive study about the presence of resilin in the thorax exists yet. We investigated various species of Odonata, using µCT, dissection and fluorescence microscopy. Here we show a complete mapping of the odonatan pterothorax, regarding the presence of tendons and their properties. Thus, 20-21 cap tendons in the pterothorax of Odonata show the presence of resilin. While performing outstanding and often-aggressive flight manoeuvres, resilin can provide shock absorption against mechanical damage from str

SUBMITTER: Baumler F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6548727 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature