Structure-activity relationships between stimulus molecule and response of a pheromone receptor cell in turnip moth,Agrotis segetum : Modifications of the acetate group.

The response of an antennal receptor cell of the turnip moth,Agrotis segetum, was recorded during stimulation with a series of (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate analogs with structural variations of the acetate group. The investigated receptor cell is known to be highly selective to (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate. All parts of the acetate group were found to be of great importance for full biological activity. The results indicate very strict requirements on the shape of the polar functional group, as well as on its electron distribution for a successful interaction with the antennal receptor cell.