Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement I: In some insects, fat bodies are also involved in uric acid production
Statement II: Fat bodies in insects are present in Malpighian tubules of cockroaches
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
• C. Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
• D. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

Hint:

The insect fat body stores and synthesizes uric acid in specialized urate cells (storage excretion), but it is located in the haemocoel, not inside the Malpighian tubules.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The fat body in insects is a multi-functional metabolic tissue analogous to the vertebrate liver and adipose tissue.
It plays roles in nutrient storage, intermediary metabolism, and the synthesis of hemolymph proteins and nitrogenous wastes.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze both statements:
- Statement I: This statement asserts that fat bodies are involved in uric acid production.
The fat body contains specialized cells called urate cells (or urocytes) that synthesize uric acid from nitrogenous metabolic byproducts.
In many insects, this uric acid is stored inside the urate cells (storage excretion) rather than being excreted, allowing the insect to conserve water. Thus, Statement I is correct.
- Statement II: This statement asserts that fat bodies are present in the Malpighian tubules of cockroaches.
This is anatomically incorrect.
The fat body is located within the haemocoel (body cavity) as diffuse lobes surrounding the gut and internal organs.
It is not located inside the Malpighian tubules, which are separate, thread-like excretory structures suspended in the haemolymph. Thus, Statement II is incorrect.
Consequently, Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.

Step 3: Final Answer
The correct option is (C).