Iron-Containing Cells in the Honey Bee (Apis mellifera)

Author Info

Deborah A. Kuterbach, State University of New York at Stony Brook
Benjamin Walcott, State University of New York at Stony Brook
Richard J. Reeder, State University of New York at Stony Brook
Richard B. Frankel, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyFollow

Recommended Citation

Postprint version. Published in Science, Volume 218, Issue 4573, November 12, 1982, pages 695-697.

NOTE: At the time of publication, the author Richard B. Frankel was not yet affiliated with Cal Poly.

The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1126/science.218.4573.695.

Abstract

Honey bees are sensitive to earth strength magnetic fields and are reported to contain magnetite (Fe₃O₄) in their abdomens. We report bands of cells around each abdominal segment that contain numerous electron-opaque, iron-containing granules. The iron is principally in the form of hydrous iron oxides.

Disciplines

Physics

Copyright

1982 American Association for the Advancement of Science.