What is the function of glycerol in insect plasma?

Prepare for the Comprehensive Entomology Exam with detailed quizzes on Morphology, Behavior, Evolution, and Pest Management. Dive into multiple-choice questions with solutions and explanations to boost your understanding. Get ready to ace your entomology test!

Multiple Choice

What is the function of glycerol in insect plasma?

Explanation:
Glycerol in insect plasma acts as a cryoprotectant that helps survival in freezing conditions. By increasing the solute concentration in the hemolymph, it lowers the freezing point of body fluids, preventing ice crystals from forming inside cells and tissues during cold stress. This antifreeze action protects cells from damage and dehydration that freezing causes. It isn’t primarily about thickening the plasma, increasing respiration rate, or signaling through a hormone, so those options don’t fit as well.

Glycerol in insect plasma acts as a cryoprotectant that helps survival in freezing conditions. By increasing the solute concentration in the hemolymph, it lowers the freezing point of body fluids, preventing ice crystals from forming inside cells and tissues during cold stress. This antifreeze action protects cells from damage and dehydration that freezing causes. It isn’t primarily about thickening the plasma, increasing respiration rate, or signaling through a hormone, so those options don’t fit as well.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy