Data from: The molecular trigger for high-speed wing beats in a bee
Data files
Aug 23, 2013 version files 1.16 GB
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BeeXraydata_Tiff.zip
146.32 MB
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BeeXrayIndiv_Tiff.zip
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README_for_BeeXraydata_Tiff.txt
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README_for_BeeXrayIndiv_Tiff.txt
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README_for_WingPosition.txt
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README.txt
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WingPosition.xls
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Abstract
The high-frequency wing beat of higher-order insects is driven by self-sustained oscillations of constantly activated flight muscles. However, it remains unknown whether its underlying mechanism is based on flight muscle–specific features or on preexisting contractile functions. Here, we recorded x-ray diffraction movies, at a rate of 5000 frames per second, simultaneously from the two antagonistic flight muscles of bumblebees during wing beat. Signals that occurred at the right timing for triggering each wing-beat stroke were resolved in both muscles. The signals likely reflect stretch-induced myosin deformation, which would also enhance force in vertebrate muscles. The results suggest that insects use a refined preexisting force-enhancing mechanism for high-frequency wing beat, rather than developing a novel mechanism.