Protein-electrophoretic variations detected in the fat body of the solitary form of the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria (Forskal)(Orthoptera: Acrididae)

The polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) was performed on the fat body tissues of the solitary form of the 5th nymph instar as well as three different phases of adult males and females namely newly emerged, yellow and non-yellow males (mature and nonmature), before oviposition and after oviposition females of Schistocerca gregaria. The total number of protein bands detected in the fat body of the 5th nymph instar amounted to 25 bands. Meanwhile, those detected in the fat body of newly emerged males, non-mature males and mature males were 22, 19, and 21 respectively. On the other hand, the numbers of protein bands detected in the newly emerged females were 28 bands. These bands varied in the successive female phases to be 21 and 30 bands before oviposition and after oviposition respectively. One protein band was detected in males only and considered as a male specific protein ( M-sp.) whereas, four bands were detected in females only and considered as female specific proteins ( F-sp.). Ten protein bands were considered as major fat body protein bands since they were commonly detected in all the investigated phases.