ABSTRACT
Production of yolk protein precursors (YPP) for developing oocytes requires a major investment on the part of a vitellogenic female. In most animals, this process is achieved in a highly dedicated, tissue-specific manner. In insects, the fat body is the major site of YPP production. This chapter examines the cellular aspects of YPP synthesis and secretion, concentrating mainly on the insect fat body as the major site of YPP production. For a complete account of insect yolk proteins, see Telfer (2002). The additional production of YPP by ovarian follicular epithelial cells is well documented for higher Diptera (see Bownes, this volume).
