Genetics of esterases in Drosophila. IV. Slow-migrating S-esterase in Drosophila of the virilis group.

A slow-migrating beta-esterase (S-esterase) is described which has been detected in Drosophila montana, Drosophila imeretensis, and some stocks of Drosophila virilis when mixtures of alpha- and beta-naphthyl acetate are used as substrates in histochemical reactions after electrophoresis. Sexual dimorphism for S-esterase has been demonstrated. This esterase is contained in male genitalia only, predominantly in the ejaculatory bulb (waxy plug). It appears 3-4 days after emergence of flies. In hybrids between S+ and So species, the activity of the slow esterase is either decreased or inhibited. An autonomous synthesis of the S- esterase in the ejaculatory bulb was established by transplantation of imaginal genital discs into larvae of different Drosophila stocks. Based on analysis of physiochemical and immunochemical properties, S-esterase is suggested to be an independent fraction of esterase, possibly dimeric, which does not cross-react with beta-esterase antiserum.