Genetically Modified Fruit Flies Successfully Reproduce Through Virgin Birth, Scientists Say
In a groundbreaking study, scientists have achieved virgin births in fruit flies by tinkering with their genes. The researchers believe that this new ability to induce parthenogenesis, or virgin birth, could have profound implications for food security, as crop pests may be increasingly resorting to this method of reproduction.
The study focused on Drosophila melanogaster, a species of fruit fly commonly used in scientific research. By altering the genes of these fruit flies, the researchers were able to induce virgin birth in subsequent generations. However, this only occurred when no males were present for mating.
“Fruit flies are incredibly special because they are basically the first model organism and have been studied for over 100 years,” explained Alexis Sperling, a researcher at the University of Cambridge and the first author of the paper. Model organisms are nonhuman species extensively studied to gain insights into biological phenomena.
Virgin birth, or parthenogenesis, is a rare phenomenon in the animal kingdom. It occurs when an egg develops into an embryo without fertilization from a male. The offspring are always female, and though their genes are similar to their mother’s, they are not exact clones.
While parthenogenesis has been observed in other animals such as snakes, birds, fish, and lizards, this study is the first to provide a genetic basis for its occurrence. The scientists identified three genes responsible for virgin birth in Drosophila mercatorum, a related species of fruit fly. By altering the corresponding genes in D. melanogaster, the researchers were able to replicate this ability.
The researchers examined 220,000 fruit flies over a span of six years to confirm their findings. When males were present, the females with the ability for virgin birth mated and reproduced normally. However, in the absence of males, around one to two percent of the second generation of female flies with this ability produced offspring asexually.
This form of parthenogenesis is believed to be a survival strategy for species facing unfavorable conditions, such as a lack of mates. The researchers speculate that modern agricultural practices may be contributing to the rise in virgin births among crop pests, making them harder to control.
“While the study of parthenogenesis in animals has been challenging due to a lack of knowledge about the genes involved, this research begins to shed light on the genetic basis for this phenomenon,” said Darren Parker, an evolutionary biologist at Bangor University in Wales who was not involved in the study.
With the potential implications for food security, further research in this area could provide crucial insights into the reproductive strategies of pests and aid in developing effective control measures.