Discovered genes controlling colors and patterns on butterfly wings

For the first time international scientists have shown that there are separate genes that control the colorful and colorful patterns of butterflies in nature.

Accordingly, a study showed direct evidence that the optix gene kept the right to dominate the color and iridescence of the butterfly wings.

Researchers have used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology to "break" the optix gene segment . These gene-interfered butterflies eventually had only black and white wings, not as colorful as usual.

When researchers used technology to correct the color of the butterfly's wings, it turned to black and white only - (Photo: CORNELL).

Another study, similar to the one done by the CRISPR-Cas9 gene modification technology, shows that, when the WntA gene is cut, the patterns on the butterfly wings also disappear.

The published research results are considered very impressive. Because they have described how convincing individual genes in organisms have produced great effects.

The study has also refuted the notion of a popular capital that holds the control of colors as well as patterns on butterfly wings that are joined by dozens or hundreds of complicated genes.

New findings also have greater implications for genes in the evolution of organisms. It shows that there are a few key genes, that is, individual genes capable of producing large effects such as the optix gene and the WntA gene, which often play a central role in repeating the evolution in many species. different things.

Since there is only a limited number of genes, those genes will often be reused during evolution. Over time, the same gene will have different functions and effects on species.

For example, scientists who know the optix gene are also present in fruit flies, however, in this species, the optix gene is more involved in eye development than in wing colors as in butterflies.