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Host Parasite Interactions

All articles tagged with #host parasite interactions

science2 years ago•23 min saved

"Extreme Parasitic Plant Balanophora: Insights into Convergent Evolution and Manipulative Host Interactions"

Researchers have sequenced and analyzed the genomes of Balanophora plants, which are extreme holoparasites that lack chlorophyll and obtain nutrients from host plants. The study reveals that Balanophora genomes have undergone convergent evolution with other parasitic plants, showing similar gene losses and adaptations. The findings provide new insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying parasite-host interactions and shed light on the evolution of plant parasitism.

via Nature.com|

#comparative-analysis #evolution #genomics

science2 years ago•3 min saved

Parasitic Plant's Cunning Strategy: Convincing Hosts to Grow into Its Flesh

Balanophora, an extreme parasitic plant, has shed one third of its genes as it evolved into a streamlined organism that steals nutrients from its host plant. A study comparing the genomes of Balanophora and another parasitic plant, Sapria, revealed record shrinkages of 28% and 38% respectively. Both plants have lost genes associated with photosynthesis and other key biological processes, while retaining essential genes. Surprisingly, genes related to the synthesis of the plant hormone abscisic acid were lost in parallel in both plants, but the hormone still accumulated in Balanophora's flowering stems. The research provides insights into the genetic mechanisms behind the dependency of parasitic plants on their hosts and their manipulation of host plants to survive.

via Phys.org|

#balanophora #genome-shrinkage #host-parasite-interactions