According to a new study that was published on August 15, researchers have finally been able to provide a detailed layout of the complicated structure of the enzyme that gives these exploding termites their Kamikaze nicknames. The termites are equipped with a specialized pair of glands in their abdomens that slowly secrete the enzyme blue laccase BP76 into small pockets that are located on their backs. Over time, these pockets form into “rucksacks” that appear as bluish crystals.
As the worker termites age, these “rucksacks” are perpetually armed, ready to explode as soon as the termite is threatened by secreting a secondary substance from their salivary glands, which mixes with the blue enzyme. Following the combustible mixture of the two substances, the termites explode, releasing a positive and sticky liquid that is capable of neutralizing and eventually killing the enemy.
Content Disclaimer and Copyright Notice
Content Disclaimer
The content provided on this website is sourced from various RSS feeds and other publicly available sources. We strive to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information, and we always provide source links to the original content. However, we are not responsible for the content’s accuracy or any changes made to the original sources after the information is aggregated on our site.
Fair Use and Copyright Notice
This website may contain copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We believe this constitutes a “fair use” of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law.
In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.
