Anhydrobiosis in nematodes: Control of the synthesis of trehalose during induction

Abstract

Abstract Control of the synthesis of trehalose during the induction of anhydrobiosis was examined. Kinetic parameters for TPS did not change during the induction, indicating that there was no de novo synthesis of an isozyme. TPS activity doubled in the presence of a mixture of Na + , K + , Mg ++ , and Ca ++ at concentrations normally found in the worms during induction. The concentration of glucose‐6‐phosphate increased from about 2 mM in wet worms to about 12 mM at the end of induction, and the concentration of UDPG increased from about 1 mM in wet worms to about 9 mM at the end of induction. The concentration of UDPG was found to be rate limiting. Trehalase activity decreased by half during the induction period. The significance of these data as related to the control of the synthesis of trehalose was discussed.