✉news ScienceBiology first seen 19 h ago, last 10 h ago, peak #17
Beetles Repurpose Famous Pigment Gene to House Bacteria
Original: Beetles Repurpose a Famous Pigment Gene to Build Homes for Their Bacteria
Scientists report that beetles have repurposed a well-known pigment gene to construct specialized structures that house their symbiotic bacteria. The finding suggests the gene, famous for its role in coloration, evolved a new function in building insect anatomy that supports microbial partners. The discovery highlights how evolution can recycle existing genes for entirely different jobs, drawing attention from biologists interested in symbiosis and gene co-option.
Why now: A newly reported study shows an unexpected evolutionary role for a famous pigment gene, intriguing biology readers.
beetlessymbiotic bacteriapigment gene
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