Work

Active auditory mechanics in mosquitoes

Year: 2001

Type: article

Abstract: In humans and other vertebrates, hearing is improved by active contractile properties of hair cells. Comparable active auditory mechanics is now demonstrated in insects. In mosquitoes, Johnston's organ transduces sound-induced vibrations of the antennal flagellum. A non-muscular 'motor' activity enhances the sensitivity and tuning of the flagellar mechanical response in physiologically intact animals. This motor is capable of driving the flagellum autonomously, amplifying sound-induced vibrations at specific frequencies and intensities. Motor-related electrical activity of Johnston's organ strongly suggests that mosquito hearing is improved by mechanoreceptor motility.

Source: Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences

DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2000.1376

Authors: Martin C. Gopfert, Daniel Robert

Institution: University of Zurich

Language: English

Topic: Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research

Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W2011662896

FWCI: 1.475

Cites: 42

Cited by: 184

Related to: 10