Surface Properties and Architectures of Male Moth Trichoid Sensilla Investigated Using Atomic Force Microscopy.

ABSTRACT: The surfaces of trichoid sensilla on male moth antennae have been sculpted over evolutionary time to capture pheromone odorant molecules emitted by the females of their species and transport the molecules in milliseconds into the binding protein milieu of the sensillum lumen. The capture of pheromone molecules likely has been optimized by the topographies and spacings of the numerous ridges and pores on these sensilla. A monolayer of free lipids in the outer epicuticle covers the sensillar surfaces and must also be involved in optimal pheromone odorant capture and transport. Using electro-conductive atomic force microscopy probes, we found that electrical surface potentials of the pores, ridges and flat planar areas between ridges varied in consistent ways, suggesting that there is a heter

SUBMITTER: Baker TC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9146897 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature