The differences in adult lifetime among various silkworm strains has been suggested that the adult lifetime may be genetically controlled. In this experiment, using J037 and Daizo strains we investigated genetic factors related to the adult lifetime of silkworm. We constructed the full-length cDNA library from the adult male of the J037 strain. A total of 2,688 clones were randomly selected, and we performed a differential display hybridization with cDNA probes generated from J037 and Daizo adult males. In conclusion, 193 clones were identified as differential expressed genes, and 154 unique genes were generated after the assembly of 193 clones. Of the 154 unique genes, the most abundant genes were cytochrome oxidase subunit-1 gene(9 times) and unknown(clone ID; 1-50) gene(5 times). The functional groups of these unique genes with matches in the AmiGo database were constructed according to their putative molecular functions. Among thirteen functional categories, the largest group was unclassified protein(24%). In addition, We analyzed the nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of the most highly occurred gene(1-50, EF434397), which consisted of 240 amino acids. However, it is confirmed yet that these genes really have an affected on the silkworms longevity.

DNA-based technology are about to revolutionize the analysis of population structures as well as the determination of individual indentities. Furthermore, the analysis of polymorphic DNA regions make it possible to reach detailed conclusions on family relationships of individual. Microsatellite loci are increasingly used in population genetic and evolutionary studies. Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) or microsatellites consisted of short tandem repeats (usually 1-6 nucleotide) have shown advantages over other markers. We report here the isolation and characterization of nine highly polymerphic microsatellite loci for phylogenetic and population genetic use in silkworm. Comparative analysis of diverse silkworm strains with microsatellite locus revealed several alleles and discriminative heterozygosity values. A list of primer sequences that tag each locus is provided. The usefulness of microsatellite markers can be expected to enhance the classification in silkworm.

The caterpillar-shaped Chinese medicinal mushroom (DongChongXiaCao) looks like a worm in the winter and likes a grass in the summer. The fruiting bodies of Cordyceps species have demonstrated various biological activities and used as traditional medicines in Asian countries. The price of wild Cordyceps have been ascending every year as their demand increase. Recently, the artificial cultivation of these fungi has been successfully established and they are currently produced on a rice or pupae media. This study was carried out to investigate the soluble sugar, amino acid and fatty acid profiles in the fruiting-bodies of Cordyceps militaris, C. pruinosa and Paecilomyces. tenuipes formed on the living silkworm (Bombyx mori) host. Soluble sugars such as glycerol, glucose, mannitol and sucrose were found in the fruiting bodies of Cordyceps militaris, C. pruinosa and P. tenuipes. Total soluble sugar content was 29.23 ㎎g-1in C. militaris, 8.61㎎g-1 in C. pruinosa and 24.00 ㎎g-1in P. tenuipes on dry weight basis. Total free amino acid content was 14.09 ㎎g-1in C. militaris, 34.60㎎g-1 in C. pruinosa and 17.09 ㎎g-1 in P. tenuipes. The content of oleic acid in fatty acids was above high more than 30% regardless of species.