Article: Gene patterns decorate butterflies' wings. (activation of specific genes in specific cells for short time aids definition of body parts in insects) (Brief Article)

Nature photographer Kjell B. Sandved made his reputation exploring the diversity of the world's approximately 200,000 moths and butterflies. Over the years he has found the alphabet, numbers, and many other human symbols inscribed in their wings (SN: 6/16/90, p.376).

But it took the plain fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) to help scientists understand how nature can be so creative.

In fruit flies, and presumably all insects, the activation, or expression, of certain genes in particular cells for short periods helps define body parts. Just before an insect larva changes into a flying adult, it develops white globs of cells called imaginal disks that ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!