Home Science Plant gene found in insect, shields it from leaf toxins

Plant gene found in insect, shields it from leaf toxins

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Millions of years ago, aphid-like insects called whiteflies incorporated a portion of DNA from plants into their genome. A research team reveals that whiteflies use this stolen gene to degrade common toxins plants use to defend themselves against insects, allowing the whitefly to feed on the plants safely.

Source: ScienceDaily.com