Plants' Genetic Material Stolen by Insects Confirmed!
The whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), one of the most destructive agricultural pests, has made headlines in the scientific community with a surprising discovery. Researchers have found that this insect has acquired a plant gene, known as BtPMaT1, which could potentially open new avenues for pest control.
The gene, originally from the plant's evolutionary lineage, enables the synthesis of a phenol glycoside malonyltransferase enzyme in whiteflies. This enzyme is responsible for metabolic detoxification via malonylation, a process occurring in the tissues and cells of the adult whitefly's digestive system.
Scientists achieved this finding by silencing the BtPMaT1 gene in whiteflies using genetically modified tomatoes. The results were striking - almost all whiteflies died when they fed on these modified tomatoes.
Yannick Pauchet, a leading researcher in the field, finds the results convincing and supports the hypothesis of horizontal gene transfer. This is the first known instance of horizontal gene transfer from a plant to an insect, a phenomenon that could have significant implications for our understanding of evolution and biodiversity.
The BtPMaT1 gene activates a functional group (Malonil CoA) in the phenolic compounds called phenolic glycosides that plants produce for defense. By acquiring this gene, whiteflies may have gained the ability to use plant toxins as a food source, making them more resilient to common pesticides.
However, the study also suggests that silencing the BtPMaT1 gene in whiteflies could make them vulnerable to plant defensive toxins. This could pave the way for developing new strategies to fight against the whitefly and protect crops from harmful insects.
Researchers have analyzed the arrangement of similar genes in plants to detect possible gene transfer between species. They believe that a virus could have mediated the transfer of genetic material from the plant to the insect. More genome sequencing may discover other examples of such gene transfers.
The whitefly acts as a vector for over 100 different viruses that cause various plant diseases. By understanding how it acquired the BtPMaT1 gene, researchers may gain insights into how these viruses spread and develop effective strategies to combat them.
The results of this study provide a promising direction for future research in pest control and plant disease management. As our understanding of horizontal gene transfer grows, so too does the potential for harnessing it to protect our crops and the environment.
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