Appearance of new proteins in water hyacinth weevils (Neochetina eichhornae Warner), under the influence of metal bioaccumulation

TLDR: It is concluded that the two metals Pb and Zn resulted in the selective synthesis and accumulation of proteins in the 70–80 KD range and the possibility of the disappearance of pre-existing protein in the insects is discussed in the light of metal bioaccumulation.

Abstract: The total protein distribution as a function of metal bioaccumulation in the weevils Neochetina eichhornae Warner through the trophic levels of the food chain was investigated. The accumulation of metals in insects was almost linear for all the metal concentrations tested. Mercury, Cd, Pb, and Zn induced dramatic differences in protein profiles in the insects in the SDS-Gel electrophoretic patterns. Of 40–50 μg/100 mg of metal concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Zn estimated in the leaves of Eichhornae only about 4–9% could be estimated from the insect cell extract. Mercury concentration in the leaves was still lower i.e., 10–19% μg/100 mg of metal conc. and the biotransfer of Hg into insect bodies was about 2–4%. It is concluded that the two metals Pb and Zn resulted in the selective synthesis and accumulation of proteins in the 70–80 KD range. The possibility of the disappearance of pre-existing proteins in the insects is discussed in the light of metal bioaccumulation.