Immune system

Question 1

What are the insects major cellular defense mechanism?

Answer 1

Hemocytes, responsible for encapsulation of invader pathogens. As hemocytes recognize and encapsulate invaders, “recruitment” of additional hemocytes form layers around the pathogen until it is defeated.

Question 2

What are the two main functions of hemocytes?

Answer 2

Recognize and destroy invaders by suffocation

Heal wounds by forming layers

Both involve recruitment of hemocytes to a localized area.

Question 3

What are the two major Parasitoid wasp families?

Answer 3

Lchneumonidae and Braconidae

Parasitoid wasps that lay eggs in caterpillars. Very successful

Question 4

How do Parasitoid wasps bypass the immune system of hosts?

Answer 4

The transmission of polydna viruses, unique to every Parasitoid. These viruses destroy every aspect of the caterpillar immune system resulting in immunosuppression and the hemocytes failing to recognize the wasp eggs.

Question 5

4 major functions of hemolymph

Answer 5

Hydrostatic pressure, transport nutrients, transport hormones, carry hemocytes that defend against foreign invaders.