Discovery of genes controlling color and patterns on butterfly wings

For the first time, international scientists have shown that there are separate genes that control the bright colours and patterns of butterflies in nature.

When researchers used gene editing technology, the color of butterfly wings turned to black and white. Photo: CORNELL

Accordingly, a study shows direct evidence that the optix gene controls the color and iridescence of butterfly wings.

Researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology to “disrupt” the optix gene. The butterflies with this gene intervention ended up with black and white wings instead of the usual colorful ones.

Another study using a similar method using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology showed that when the WntA gene was cut, the patterns on butterfly wings were also lost.

The results of the recently published research are considered extremely impressive. Because they convincingly describe how single genes in organisms can create large-scale effects.

The study also refutes the long-held belief that the control of butterfly wing color and pattern is due to the participation of dozens, or hundreds, of complex genes.

According to TTO