Parasitic plants act like genetic engineers by stealing and remodeling useful genes
Researchers have discovered that parasitic dodder plants can acquire and remodel genes from their hosts through horizontal gene transfer. This process allows the parasite to gain new functional traits, such as the ability to produce antioxidant compounds.
Why it matters
This study provides significant insights into evolutionary biology and how genetic material can move between unrelated species to drive adaptation.
edited by Swati Mestri , reviewed by Robert Egan
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
Add as preferred source A dodder parasitizes a sesame plant, stealing nutrients and genetic material from its host. Credit: Osaka Metropolitan University Many plant species parasitize other plants by latching on and taking the nutrients their hosts need 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 findings were published in Plant Physiology .
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in