Vitellogenin
Vitellogenin is a protein that is highly abundant in winter bees and may play a role in stimulating their immune system. Studies show a correlation between vitellogenin levels and the winter survival chances of honey bee colonies.
The level of vitellogenin in bees also determines their foraging behavior. High vitellogenin concentrations in young bees favor later-onset foraging oriented toward pollen collection, whereas lower concentrations allow earlier foraging oriented toward nectar collection. Furthermore, vitellogenin can reduce oxidative stress in bees by scavenging free radicals, thereby extending the lifespan of workers and the queen. This is one of the reasons explaining the longevity of winter bees, which store vitellogenin in their highly developed fat bodies.
 |
►Download the article: The Keys of the Colony
See also:
► Infernal cascade: Chronicle of a foretold death
► When the household is under the influence of genes
► Adaptation of DNA according to role
