Insect Chemistry - Speaking of Chemistry Ep. 20

Summary

In this episode of Speaking of Chemistry, Matt explores the fascinating chemical defenses of three incredible insects. The bombardier beetle uses a chemical weapon from its rear to ward off predators with explosive sprays. The fall armyworm outsmarts plants by reattaching toxins in a way that protects it from plant defenses. Finally, the tawny crazy ant defends itself against fire ants by neutralizing their venom with its own formic acid. This episode highlights the innovative ways insects use chemistry for survival, showcasing their remarkable biochemical skills.

Takeaways

• 😀 There are an estimated 10 quintillion insects on Earth, which could be thought of as 10 billion billion tiny chemists.
• 😀 Bombardier beetles have a chemical weapon hidden in their rear end that they use to defend against predators.
• 😀 Scientists recently used X-rays to reveal how bombardier beetles control their chemical defense mechanism.
• 😀 Bombardier beetles store chemicals like hydrogen peroxide and p-hydroquinones in a reservoir chamber and fire them out in a spray.
• 😀 The chemical reaction inside a bombardier beetle's reaction chamber produces irritants and enough heat to vaporize water, causing pressure to push out the spray.
• 😀 Some bombardier beetles can spray as many as 700 times per second as part of their defense mechanism.
• 😀 Fall armyworms can overcome the plant's defense system by using enzymes to reattach sugar molecules in a way that prevents the plant from releasing toxins.
• 😀 Fall armyworms feed on crops like maize, wheat, and rye, which have built-in pesticide molecules called benzoxazinoids.
• 😀 Tawny crazy ants (or Rasberry crazy ants) use their own poison, formic acid, to neutralize the venom from fire ants when they are attacked.
• 😀 Tawny crazy ants are able to withstand fire ant venom and continue to overpower fire ants despite having a size disadvantage.
• 😀 The video features stories by Jyllian Kemsley, Carmen Drahl, Sarah Everts, and Bethany Halford that inspired the episode on insect chemistry.

Q & A

What is the estimated number of insects on Earth?

There are an estimated 10 quintillion insects on our planet.

Why does the speaker prefer to think of insects as 'tiny chemists'?

The speaker refers to insects as 'tiny chemists' because of their complex biochemical processes, such as the defensive mechanisms and chemical reactions they utilize.

How do bombardier beetles use chemistry for self-defense?

Bombardier beetles store chemicals like hydrogen peroxide and p-hydroquinones in a reservoir. When threatened, they mix these chemicals in a reaction chamber, creating p-benzoquinones and heat, which produces a noxious spray to repel predators.

How often can bombardier beetles fire their chemical spray?

Some beetles can spray up to 700 times per second.

What is the chemical defense strategy of the fall armyworm?

Fall armyworms use enzymes in their guts to reattach sugar molecules to pesticide molecules in crops like maize and wheat, making the plant's natural pesticide ineffective.

What is the role of beta-D-glucose in the chemical defense of crops?

Beta-D-glucose is a sugar that binds to toxic compounds in plants, rendering them less harmful. When the plant detects an insect feeding, it releases an enzyme that removes the sugar, making the toxin active. However, the armyworm prevents this process by reattaching the sugar in a way that the plant's enzyme cannot cleave.

What makes the tawny crazy ant different from other ants, like fire ants?

Tawny crazy ants, unlike fire ants, can withstand fire ant venom by neutralizing it with their own poison, formic acid. This allows them to fend off fire ants despite their size disadvantage.

How do tawny crazy ants protect themselves from fire ant venom?

Tawny crazy ants neutralize fire ant venom by using their own poison, formic acid, which cancels out the burning effects of the venom.

What was the significant discovery about tawny crazy ants in the research last year?

Last year, researchers discovered that tawny crazy ants exposed to fire ant venom simply rinse off the venom using their formic acid, which neutralizes it and protects them from harm.

What is the main focus of the 'Critter Chemistry' collection mentioned in the script?

The 'Critter Chemistry' collection focuses on articles about the chemistry of various creatures, exploring how animals and insects use chemicals for survival and defense.