Big Role for a Tiny Genome.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 29245006.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1016/j.cell.2017.11.038.
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Abstract
In this issue of Cell, Salem et al. demonstrate a remarkable instance of herbivory dependent on a co-evolved mutualism with specialized bacteria. Despite having a tiny genome and limited metabolic repertoire, the bacteria in Cassida beetles produce pectinases predicted to mediate degradation of plant cell walls in the insect diet.
Medical subject headings
- Coleoptera
- Herbivory