Scientists have achieved ‘virgin births’ in fruit flies by activating specific genes for the first time.
Scientists have achieved 'virgin births' in fruit flies by activating specific genes for the first time.
Scientists Engineer “Virgin Births” in Fruit Flies for the First Time
A group of researchers has achieved a groundbreaking feat by successfully engineering “virgin births” in female fruit flies. This process, known as asexual reproduction or parthenogenesis, is quite common in nature. However, it had never been engineered before. The research not only establishes a genetic basis for asexual reproduction but also has potential applications in pest control.
The researchers, led by Dr. Alexis Sperling from the University of Cambridge, were able to identify a specific gene that enabled the fruit flies to reproduce without the need for sperm from a male. This made these fruit flies capable of producing offspring through parthenogenesis. Dr. Sperling expressed excitement over witnessing a virgin fly successfully produce an embryo that developed into adulthood, only to repeat the process again.
Switching ‘On’ the Right Genes
Virgin births, also known as facultative parthenogenesis, have been observed in various species such as bees, ants, lizards, snakes, fish, and birds. The offspring resulting from such births are always female and genetically very similar to their mothers.
To achieve this feat with fruit flies, the researchers initially sequenced the genome of one species, the Drosophila mercatorum, which had the ability to reproduce through both sexual and asexual means. They then compared this species to the Drosophila melanogaster, which cannot reproduce without mating. By identifying the genes potentially responsible for parthenogenesis, the researchers manipulated the genetic composition of the Drosophila melanogaster to match that of the Drosophila mercatorum.
After six years of research, approximately 11% of the genetically engineered flies were able to successfully reproduce without a male partner. Dr. Sperling expressed astonishment at the sight of these embryos developing into adult flies, as they initially appeared unpromising but eventually became fully formed.
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A Backup Plan for Isolated Females
Fruit flies were chosen for this experiment because they are model organisms commonly used in biological research. Their simplicity and well-studied nature make them ideal for understanding various biological processes.
Although this breakthrough may not have implications for human reproduction, it represents an opportunity to explore parthenogenesis and its potential benefits in other species. Hannah Maude, a researcher at Imperial College London, explained that the same process would not enable humans to reproduce without males due to the importance of genetic diversity and the necessity of having two copies of DNA.
Virgin births could serve as a “backup” for isolated females in certain species, offering an alternative to mating. The Guardian suggests that understanding parthenogenesis might assist in controlling insect populations. For instance, Sperling cites the example of a moth species in the UK that turned to parthenogenesis when pesticides disrupted the reproductive capabilities of males. By discovering which pest-control methods trigger parthenogenesis in insects, scientists could develop strategies to effectively manage these populations.
In conclusion, the groundbreaking research by Dr. Sperling and his team represents the first successful engineering of “virgin births” in fruit flies. While the implications for human reproduction may be limited, the study establishes a genetic basis for asexual reproduction and provides valuable insights into parthenogenesis. Furthermore, this knowledge could be leveraged to develop effective pest control measures by understanding how certain methods influence parthenogenesis in insects. The study opens up new avenues for scientific exploration and potential applications in pest management.
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