Clarify the genetic basis of butterfly wings drawings

2017/09/19 Agirre Ruiz de Arkaute, Aitziber - Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Eboluzioa
• Genetika

Since attractive and complex drawings appear on the wings of butterflies, scientists expected the involvement of a wide range of genes to create them, which would collaboratively generate such models. But they are surprised when they have seen that the drawings are conditioned by two genes: one draws mainly the lines and the other the colors. The two genes are complementary to each other and have seen that their inactivation makes them almost monochromatic.

It is known that the models of the wings are at the base of the sexual appeal of butterflies and use them to protect themselves from prey. But it was not yet known how these drawings are created, how lines and points are created and their complexity. Biologists at Cornell University in New York have clarified Geneon activity using the CRISPR technique. They point out that discovery challenges the paradigm of pattern development in insect wings.