|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Pea Aphid and the Wasp Genome
Pea aphids The Baylor College of Medicine Human Genome Sequencing Center was involved in the genome sequencing of two insects that might call your back yard home—the pea aphid and the wasp. The genomes provide new information about the evolution of these insect as well as clues about how species diverge. The genome of the pea aphid, sequenced by the International Aphid Genomics Consortium, reflects unusual characteristics and more, said Dr. Stephen Richards, assistant professor in the BCM Human Genome Sequencing Center and leader of the sequencing effort. "We found a lot of genes—35,000 compared to 15,000 to 20,000 in other insects and 25,000 in humans," said Richards. They have multiple forms to adapt to different environments. There are winged forms, forms without wings. Some produce asexually but give birth to live offspring. When the environment becomes more hostile, as in the fall, they give birth to males whose only purpose is to mate with females, who then lay eggs that hatch later on. 
A wasp Richards was also the leader in a group that sequenced the genomes of three kinds of parasitic wasps. He and his colleagues questioned whether elements of the insects' venom could become new drugs. Because the wasps are parasitic, laying their eggs in the carcasses of other insects, they may also provide an unusual method of pest control. The effort involved the international Nasonia Genome Working Group led by Richards and Dr. John (Jack) Werren at the University of Rochester in New York. |
FeaturesThe Future of Health Care Starts at Med High Emergency Medicine: The Art of Juggling A Quarter Century of Invention at Baylor College of Medicine "Passport" Gives Childhood Cancer Survivors Entry into Adult Healthcare Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center Educates Through Entertainment Getting to the Roots of Cancer NewsDr. Paul Klotman: BCM's New Top Man Dan Duncan Leaves Solid Foundation for BCM's Research Future DeBakey Library & Museum Showcases Innovations of Pioneering Heart Surgeon SpotlightBIPAI Doctor Seeks to Serve in Africa Space Medicine Takes Medical Education Across New Frontiers Quest for a Gene Opens New Door in Personalized Medicine BriefsOut of This World Science Experiment Generates International Interest Predicting the Progression of Alzheimer's Disease Pool to Receive Academic Clinical Professionalism Award The Pea Aphid and the Wasp Genome Development/AlumniBelieve in BCM Campaign Engages Campus Development BriefsNational Osteoporosis Foundation Honors Lawrences DeBakey Heart Center of BCM Benefits from Partnership Event Pink Ribbon House Project Celebrates Success Awards and Honor Wall Highlight Alumni Reunion 2010 The Road Ahead Promises Continued Success
|
||
Volume 6, Issue 1, Summer 2010 |
|||
 |
|
BCM Home | BCM Intranet | Privacy Notices | Contact BCM | BCM Site Map © 2005-2010 Baylor College of Medicine® |
|
| Last modified: August 11, 2010 |