In Situ Production of Hydrolytic Detoxifying Enzymes by Symbiotic Yeasts in the Cigarette Beetle (Coleoptera: Anobiidae)

The ability of symbiotic yeast found in larvae and adults of Lasiodema seicorne (F.) to detoxify xenobiotics hydrolytically in situ was investigated. The symbionts of larvae and adults hydrolyzed I-naphthyl acetate, a reaction that was inhibited by DEF (S, S, S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate, Chern Service) and mercuric chloride. The yeasts also accumulated tannic acid, which was hydrolyzed to gallic acid. Thus, in addition to nutritional contributions that were previously demonstrated, these symbionts are capable of assisting the survival of the host by detoxifying xenobiotics.