required reading:
Schmitz H, Bleckmann H (1998)
The photomechanic infrared receptor for the detection of forest fires in the
beetle Melanophila acuminata (Coleoptera: Buprestidae). J Comp Physiol
A 182: 647-657.
pdf-file
questions:
1. Where are the infrared pit organs positioned on Melanophila acuminata?
2. Describe the pit organ ultrastructure.
3. Briefly illustrate the experimental setup used for electrophysiological recordings.
4. How did the authors make sure the pit organs were stimulated by IR radiation
and not shorter wavelengths emitted from the IR source?
5. How are the amplitude and duration of receptor potentials related to IR exposition
time (include figures)?
6. What evidence do the authors use to suggest pit organs are fast, phasic receptors?
7. Discuss how the pit organ may use both photo and mechanoreception.
Include the following ideas: -The similarities between the pit organ ultrastructure
and a typical insect mechanoreceptor.
-Experimental evidence: The spike activity associated with electrode penetration
depth (pp. 649-650).
-Changes in spherule volume with an increase in temperature.
8. If the field of view for pit organs is in a lateral and ventral direction,
how is it possible for a beetle to guide itself towards a fire?
PDF-file of
power-point slides (about
3.5 MB)
background
reading:
Campbell AL, Naik RR, Sowards L,
Stone MO (2002). Biological infrared imaging and sensing. Micron 33(2):211-225.
pdf-file
other bugs with infrared perception:
Schmitz H, Trenner S, Hofmann MH, Bleckmann H (2000) The ability of Rhodnius
prolixus (Hemiptera; Reduviidae) to approach a thermal source solely by
its infrared radiation. Journal of Insect Physiology 46: 745-751. pdf-file
Links:
