Drying out may help tardigrades soak up new DNA, which in turn aids the water bears in withstanding stress.
The hardy, microscopic animals also known as moss piglets and technically called tardigrades have scavenged about 17.5 percent of their genes from other creatures. The ability to pick up used genes and spare parts from other organisms’ DNA junkyardsBacteria routinely swap DNA, a process known as horizontal gene transfer. But researchers had thought the practice was unusual in animals.
Desiccation may allow tardigrades and bdelloid rotifers to pick up extra DNA, the researchers speculate. When an organism dries out, its DNA breaks up and the membranes that hold in a cell’s guts become leaky, allowing DNA and other big molecules to seep out. For most organisms, that’s the end: Bacteria, plants and other creatures spill their DNA and die. But some tardigrades and rotifers can remain in suspended animation until they encounter water again.
Rotifers are completely asexual creatures, and some researchers have speculated that horizontal gene transfer allows them to bring in fresh infusions of genetic material that other organisms would get from sexual reproduction. “This ability to take up genes willy-nilly from the environment makes sex redundant,” says Michael Syvanen, a molecular evolutionary geneticist at the University of California, Davis School of Medicine.
Österreich Neuesten Nachrichten, Österreich Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
The Best Way to Cook Chicken Breasts in an Air Fryer Without Drying Them OutYour ultimate source for expert nutrition tips and health advice, covering wellness, healthy recipes, cooking hacks, food news, style trends and shopping.
Weiterlesen »
Ancient DNA Reveals a Tragic Genocide Hidden in Humanity's PastThe Best in Science News and Amazing Breakthroughs
Weiterlesen »
DNA From Beethoven's Hair Reveals Surprise Some 200 Years LaterThe Best in Science News and Amazing Breakthroughs
Weiterlesen »
23andMe Admits ‘Mining’ Your DNA Data Is Its Last HopeWith the business in a tailspin, 23andMe’s CEO assures investors there’s still plenty of money it can make on your genes.
Weiterlesen »
Blue Whales in Atlantic Ocean Carry Alarming Level of Hybrid DNAA new study reveals that blue whales in the Atlantic Ocean have a previously unknown and potentially concerning level of hybrid DNA, suggesting that whale hybrids are more reproductively viable than previously thought.
Weiterlesen »
The Challenges and Rewards of Ancient DNA ResearchThe study of human evolution wins a Nobel Prize, but the challenges of ancient DNA research are highlighted. Public interest and media attention sometimes steer the science, while the true value of answering scientific questions is overshadowed.
Weiterlesen »