Cecidology: Anatomy of a biohack

Curr Biol. 2021 May 10;31(9):R430-R433. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.03.095.

Abstract

Galls are abnormal plant growths induced by animals, especially insects, to foster their own developing offspring. Which molecular malware gall-inducers use to hack into the plant's genetic programs is unclear. In an aphid, a gene affecting gall color has been discovered, part of a large family of putative effectors.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aphids* / genetics
  • Host-Parasite Interactions
  • Insecta
  • Plant Tumors*
  • Plants