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Caffeine in floral nectar enhances a pollinator's memory of reward.

Science (New York, N.Y.) (2013-03-09)
G A Wright, D D Baker, M J Palmer, D Stabler, J A Mustard, E F Power, A M Borland, P C Stevenson
ABSTRACT

Plant defense compounds occur in floral nectar, but their ecological role is not well understood. We provide evidence that plant compounds pharmacologically alter pollinator behavior by enhancing their memory of reward. Honeybees rewarded with caffeine, which occurs naturally in nectar of Coffea and Citrus species, were three times as likely to remember a learned floral scent as were honeybees rewarded with sucrose alone. Caffeine potentiated responses of mushroom body neurons involved in olfactory learning and memory by acting as an adenosine receptor antagonist. Caffeine concentrations in nectar did not exceed the bees' bitter taste threshold, implying that pollinators impose selection for nectar that is pharmacologically active but not repellent. By using a drug to enhance memories of reward, plants secure pollinator fidelity and improve reproductive success.

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Product Description

Supelco
Caffeine Melting Point Standard, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material
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1 g
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MXP 2,500.00
Supelco
Caffeine, certified reference material, TraceCERT®, Manufactured by: Sigma-Aldrich Production GmbH, Switzerland
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100 mg
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MXP 3,330.00
Supelco
Mettler-Toledo Calibration substance ME 18872, Caffeine, traceable to primary standards (LGC)
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5 g
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MXP 2,266.00
Sigma-Aldrich
Caffeine, anhydrous, 99%, FCC, FG
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MXP 1,249.00
1 kg
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MXP 1,911.00
10 kg
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MXP 15,775.00
25 kg
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MXP 29,989.00
Sigma-Aldrich
Caffeine, anhydrous, tested according to Ph. Eur.
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250 g
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MXP 4,214.00
Sigma-Aldrich
Caffeine, meets USP testing specifications, anhydrous
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250 g
In Stock
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MXP 2,619.00
1 kg
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MXP 8,755.00
Sigma-Aldrich
Caffeine, Sigma Reference Standard, vial of 250 mg
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Sigma-Aldrich
Caffeine, powder, ReagentPlus®
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5 g
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MXP 568.00
100 g
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MXP 1,133.00
1 kg
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MXP 6,450.00
Sigma-Aldrich
Caffeine, BioXtra
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Supelco
Caffeine, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material
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Caffeine, European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Reference Standard
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70 mg
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MXP 3,721.00
Supelco
Melting point standard 235-237°C, analytical standard
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Supelco
Caffeine solution, analytical standard, 1.0 mg/mL in methanol
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1 mL
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MXP 1,788.00
Caffeine for system suitability, European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Reference Standard
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10 mg
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MXP 3,257.00