Trehalose in Insect Hemolymph

Trehalose is a superior molecule for energy storage and transport in insect hemolymphs compared to free glucose. It consists of two glucose units, providing more energy and maintaining osmotic balance without interfering with other necessary chemicals. Trehalose is chemically inert, preventing harmful glycosylation of proteins. It also facilitates glucose uptake and prevents ice nucleation, protecting cells during freezing. The fat body in insects aids in efficient metabolite distribution, compensating for the open circulatory system, allowing high activity levels.

Why is trehalose considered a better molecule than free glucose for energy storage in insect hemolymphs?

• It is made of two glucose subunits.

• It is a nucleic acid.

• It is a protein.

• It is a lipid.

What would be a consequence of having free glucose in the hemolymph at high concentrations?

• Disruption of osmotic balance.

• Increased fat storage.

• Enhanced protein synthesis.

• Improved energy storage.

How does trehalose prevent harmful reactions in the hemolymph?

• By increasing protein synthesis.

• By being chemically inert.

• By reducing fat storage.

• By enhancing nucleic acid stability.

What is one of the major damaging effects of excessive glucose in the blood of animals?

• Increased energy levels.

• Spontaneous reactions with proteins.

• Improved immune response.

• Enhanced fat storage.

How does trehalose contribute to glucose uptake in insects?

• By forming ice crystals.

• By increasing free glucose levels.

• By binding to proteins.

• By allowing passive diffusion.

What role does trehalose play in preventing ice nucleation?

• It prevents ice crystal formation.

• It forms ice crystals.

• It increases free glucose levels.

• It enhances protein synthesis.

What is the function of the fat body in insects?

• To store fat.

• To enhance nucleic acid stability.

• To synthesize and release trehalose.

• To produce proteins.

How does the fat body help compensate for the open circulatory system in insects?

• By producing nucleic acids.

• By enhancing protein synthesis.

• By being close to other tissues.

• By storing fat.

What is the significance of the diffuse arrangement of the fat body in insects?

• It enhances protein synthesis.

• It improves nucleic acid stability.

• It minimizes hemolymph mixing and diffusion distances.

• It increases fat storage.

Why is trehalose considered the major blood sugar in insects?

• It is a nucleic acid.

• It compensates for the open circulatory system.

• It is a lipid.

• It is a protein.