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Questions and Answers
According to Caitlin Byrt, what is the condition under which an organism can borrow genetic information from other organisms?
When there is a strong pressure for survival on an organism.
What was the purpose of disrupting the BtPMaT1 gene in whiteflies using small molecules of RNA?
To make the whiteflies susceptible to phenolic glycosides present in tomato plants.
What was the outcome for whiteflies that fed on genetically modified tomato plants producing RNA molecules?
All whiteflies subsequently died.
What mechanism does the research demonstrate for engineering crops to target plant pests?
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What is the potential drawback of using genetic engineering to target plant pests, according to Caitlin Byrt?
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What type of molecules were used to selectively interfere with the BtPMaT1 gene in whiteflies?
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What is unique about the genetic material transferred from a plant to the silverleaf whitefly?
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What is the name of the gene found in plants that has been transferred to the silverleaf whitefly?
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What is the suspected function of the BtPMaT1 gene in plants?
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When did the gene transfer event between the plant and the silverleaf whitefly occur?
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How may the gene transfer event have occurred?
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What is a characteristic of some viruses that may have played a role in the gene transfer event?
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Study Notes
Horizontal Gene Transfer in Whiteflies
- A species of whitefly, an aphid-like insect, has incorporated a portion of plant DNA into its genome, protecting it from leaf toxins.
- This is the first known example of horizontal gene transfer between a plant and insect, where the transferred genetic material performs a useful function.
Discovery of BtPMaT1 Gene
- The BtPMaT1 gene, found in plants, was discovered in the genome of the silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) by Ted Turlings and his colleagues.
- This gene is suspected to help plants store toxins in a harmless form, preventing self-poisoning.
Function of BtPMaT1 in Whiteflies
- The BtPMaT1 gene may help whiteflies avoid being poisoned when they eat plants.
- Disrupting the gene's function made whiteflies susceptible to phenolic glycosides, compounds present in tomato plants.
Horizontal Gene Transfer Event
- The gene transfer event occurred between 35 million and 80 million years ago, when the silverleaf whitefly and other whitefly species split from a common ancestor.
- The transfer event may have involved viruses that cause disease in plants and are transmitted via whiteflies.
Implications of Horizontal Gene Transfer
- The research suggests that horizontal gene transfer occurs more frequently in nature than previously thought.
- The discovery demonstrates a mechanism for engineering crops to target plant pests and their resistance to genetic engineering.
- However, horizontal gene transfer may allow pests to evolve resistance to genetic engineering.
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Description
Learn about the unique adaptation of a whitefly species, which has incorporated plant DNA into its genome to protect itself from leaf toxins. Discover how this horizontal gene transfer works and its significance in the field of genetics. Get ready to explore the fascinating world of insect genetics!
