Scientists Discover How Parasite Hacks into its Victims to Seize Control of Genes (IMAGE)

Virginia Tech

Scientists Discover How Parasite Hacks into its Victims to Seize Control of Genes

Caption

This figure summarizes the dodder-host exchange of RNA. The team found that microRNAs have a more powerful function than previously believed. The scientists investigated the parasite's microRNAs as they entered the host and discovered that microRNAs are shutting off specific genes in the host plant. Evidence points to the fact that these targeted genes are the same genes a parasite would need to silence in order to establish dominance.

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Virginia Tech

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