Vitellogenesis

Vitellogenesis (also known as yolk deposition) is the process of yolk formation via nutrients being deposited in the oocyte, or female germ cell involved in reproduction. It starts when the fat body stimulates the release of juvenile hormones and produces vitellogenin protein. It occurs in all animal groups lower than the mammals. In cockroaches, for example, vitellogenesis can be stimulated by injection of juvenile hormone into immature females and mature males.

In mosquitoes infected with Plasmodium, vitellogenesis may be manipulated by the parasites to reduce fecundity (Hurd, 2003).

Bibliography

• HURD, Hilary, 2003, Manipulation of medically important insect vectors by their parasites, Annual Review of Entomology 48, 141-61.