Propriétés chitinolytiques du liquide exuvial du ver à soie (Bombyx mori L.)

The authors add further confirmation to the hypothesis of the role played by a chitinase during the process of moulting. By ligaturing Bomy x mori-larvae between head and thorax, accumulation of moulting fluid takes place between head and thorax, accumulation of moulting fluid takes place between the larval and nymphal cuticles, swallowing of this fluid being prevented. The chitinolytic properties of this moulting fluid are demonstrated in vitro. The activity of chitinase at different pH is investigated : the optimum pH lying at about n5-4.