It is estimated that carnivorous plants that attract, capture, digest, absorb and nourish small animals with their leaves have evolved independently during the evolution of the plant.In 2017, a research group led by the Institute of Basic Biology and the Graduate University for Advanced Studies deciphered the genome of Cephalotus follicularis, which forms a bag-shaped insect leaf, and as a result, the digestive enzyme secreted in the bag is disease resistant. It was discovered that it is highly possible that it evolved from a gene (a gene that makes an enzyme that breaks down viruses, bacteria, molds, etc. that cause diseases).However, it was unclear how the disease resistance gene evolved into a digestive enzyme.

 This time, in a joint research with Kanazawa University, Utsunomiya University, Wurzburg University (Germany), etc., the genome decoding of three species of Droseraceae, Venus flytrap, and Aldrovanda vesicles, which are different families from Cephalotus follicularis. Was done.As a result, it was found that genome duplication (all genes contained in the genome are duplicated and doubled) occurred at the stage of the ancestor of Droseraceae, and the increased genes are attracted in addition to digestive enzymes. , It turned out that it is highly possible that the functions related to capture and absorption have evolved.

 According to the announcement, it is highly possible that the gene duplication has resulted in two disease-resistant genes, and the newly created gene has evolved into a digestive enzyme while maintaining the disease-resistant function of the original gene.In addition to digestive enzymes, 2 carnivorous-related genes involved in attraction, capture, digestion, and absorption were found to increase with genomic duplication compared to closely related non-carnivorous plants. Was done.

 Genome duplication rather than specific gene duplication occurred, and the number of genes with various functions increased and the degree of freedom increased (surplus), so that new and diverse functions for insectivore evolved at about the same time. It is thought that it became possible to make it.The research group plans to further analyze the genome and elucidate genes related to insectivore.

Paper information:[Current Biology] Genomes of the Venus Flytrap and close relatives unveil the roots of plant carnivory

Kanazawa University

Flexible and flexible learning of specialized knowledge in a wide range of fields.Fostering human resources who will lead the global society

Kanazawa University, which boasts a history and tradition of more than 150 years, has a basic philosophy of "a research university that emphasizes education that is open to the region and the world," and is rich in humanity with specialized knowledge, problem-seeking ability, international sense, and ethical standards. By fostering talented human resources, we aim to become a "Kanazawa University that lives globally" and a "knowledge base in East Asia" [...]

Utsunomiya University

The distance with the teacher is close, and the instruction is thorough and dense.

About 5 students study at Utsunomiya University on a campus full of nature, flowers and greenery.Because it is a compact university, it is possible to build rich relationships between students, as well as faculty and staff, where they can see each other face-to-face.The faculty and staff are close to each and every one of them as the closest counselor, […]

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