ARS | Publication request: GENE-EXPRESSION DIFFERENCES IN HONEY BEE WORKERS AND QUEENS

Submitted to: International Union for the Study of Social Insects Congress
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: June 25, 2002
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are important for agriculture worldwide. We have identified genes whose expression varies between developing queen and worker honey bees during caste determination. Here we describe the expression patterns of these genes over time to deterimine 1)the persistence of caste-biased expression and 2)correlations between the expression of these genes and known physiological and hormonal changes during the bee lifespan. Caste-biased expression patterns can be used to predict the health and robustness of both worker and queen honey bees, thereby aiding in the management of this important insect species.