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Nitrogen fixation in termites.

J R Benemann

    Science (New York, N.Y.)
    |July 13, 1973
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    Dry-wood termites (Kalotermes minor) exhibit nitrogen fixation, a vital process for nutrient acquisition. This biological nitrogen fixation primarily occurs in worker termites, supplying a significant nitrogen source for the colony.

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    Area of Science:

    • Biochemistry
    • Entomology
    • Ecology

    Background:

    • Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for insect growth and reproduction.
    • The nitrogen sources for many insects, particularly those with specialized diets like dry-wood termites, are often limited.
    • Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) is a key process for converting atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the presence and extent of nitrogen fixation in the dry-wood termite, Kalotermes minor.
    • To determine which castes within the termite colony contribute to nitrogen fixation.
    • To quantify the rate of nitrogen fixation in Kalotermes minor.

    Main Methods:

    • Nitrogen fixation was measured using the acetylene reduction assay, which quantifies the conversion of acetylene to ethylene.

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  • The study focused on different castes of Kalotermes minor, including workers, soldiers, and reproductive individuals.
  • Nitrogen fixation rates were determined per unit of termite wet weight per month.

    • Main Results:

    • Significant nitrogen fixation activity was detected in the worker caste of Kalotermes minor.
    • Soldier and reproductive castes exhibited little to no nitrogen fixation.
    • Observed fixation rates varied widely, ranging from 24 to 566 micrograms of nitrogen per month per gram of termite.

    Conclusions:

    • Biological nitrogen fixation by worker termites is a viable and potentially significant source of nitrogen for Kalotermes minor.
    • The caste-specific nature of nitrogen fixation suggests a specialized role for workers in nutrient acquisition.
    • These findings highlight the ecological importance of nitrogen fixation in wood-feeding insect symbionts.