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Drosophila; magnesium; Malpighian tubules; X-ray microanalysis
Abstract:
Magnesium besides calcium is the most important excretion product. In the anterior Malpighian tubules of Drosophila, excretion of magnesium takes place via the hindgut by proteoglycan containing concretions. This study reports on magnesium transport through the basal plasma membrane of the principal cells of the proximal segment of the anterior Malpighian tubules. Measurements by electron probe X-ray microanalysis indicate the existence of two antiporters which transfer magnesium in still unknown stoichiometry from the hemolymph space into the cell: Mg/H and Mg/N