Aphids are one of the most unique organisms in the animal kingdom. In
addition to being among the most destructive pets, some aphid species
are the only animals known to produce carotenoids–light absorbing
pigments that form part of the photosynthetic machinery of plants,
algae, and certain fungi.
Now, an international group of researchers led by entomologist Alain
Robichon from the Sophia Institute in France, have proposed that
carotenoid-producing aphids can actually use the pigment in a
photosynthetic-like process to produce ATP–the cellular energy molecule.
But whether the insects can use the power of light to ultimately
synthesize glucose and other compounds is far from clear, Yale
University geneticist Nancy Moran, who was not involved in the study,
told
Nature.
“Energy production seems to be the least of an aphid’s problems–their
diet is loaded with excessive sugar, most of which they cannot use,” she
said. However, the authors counter that aphids may use the process as
an energy back-up during times of stress,
Nature reported.
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