Parasitic Plants Act Like Genetic Engineers By Stealing And Remodeling Useful Genes
Researchers have discovered that parasitic dodder plants acquire genes from other species through horizontal gene transfer and actively remodel them over millions of years. This process allows the parasite to maintain the gene's original function, such as producing antioxidant compounds, despite significant structural changes.
Why it matters
This study provides new insights into evolutionary biology and genetic adaptation, demonstrating that plants can act as genetic engineers to survive in hostile environments.
Newswise — Many plant species parasitize other plants by latching on and taking the nutrition their host needs to survive.
But sometimes, plants steal more than nutrients; they take genes.
A new study shows how one such "stolen" gene was not simply preserved after entering the genome of the parasitic dodder (Cuscuta spp.). Instead, the parasite remodeled the gene over millions of years while keeping its original function intact.
The gene is taken by a process known as horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Unlike ordinary inheritance, in which genes pass from parent to offspring, HGT allows genetic material to move between unrelated organisms.
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