Genetic secret to Darwin theory

London: Scientists have unlocked a 51.7-millionyear-old genetic secret to a landmark theory proposed by English naturalist Charles Darwin more than 150 years ago.

Researchers have identified the cluster of genes responsible for reproductive traits in the Primula flower. Darwin hypothesised that some plant species with two distinct forms of flower, where male and female reproductive organs were of differing lengths, had evolved that way to promote outcrossing by insect pollinators. His ground-breaking insight into the significance of the two forms of flower known as ‘pins’ and ‘thrums’ coined the term ‘heterostyly’, and subsequent studies contributed to the foundation of modern genetic theory.

Now scientists at the University of East Anglia (UEA), UK have identified exactly which part of these species’ genetic code made them that way, through an event that occurred more than 51 million years ago.

“To identify the genes which control the biology noted by Darwin is an exciting moment. Many studies have been done over the decades to explore the genetic basis of the phenomenon but now we have pinpointed the supergene directly responsible, the S locus,” said professor Gilmartin.

Supergenes are clusters of closely-associated genes that are always inherited a unit and allow controlling complex biology to be controlled. A diver dressed as a Santa Claus swims with fish at the Sunshine Aquarium in Tokyo on Sunday.