myrmepropagandistAug 28, 2023

I still cannot get over the wonder and mystery of what gall wasps can do to plants. This is bio-engineering! The wasp lays her egg and somehow the plant makes a structure that is not a fruit, it is not a seed, it is not a leaf or stem. It's a wholly recombinant architecture customized to the needs of the growing young larva. The plant provides food and shelter-- It's like a cancer, but with a purpose.

How did it evolve? How is it done!?

(Photo by Timothy Boomer, https://wildmacro.com/)

Natural History Photography | Wild Macro

Insect, Spider, Wildflower, Mushroom & Natural History Fine Art Photography By Timothy Boomer.

Show threadKevin RussellAug 28, 2023

@futurebird

There is a great article producing "how did that evolve" and "what the hell is going on here" and a little "they can do that?" And a couple "wait, what's"

"Plant Cells of Different Species Can Swap Organelles"

"In grafted plants, shrunken chloroplasts can jump between species by slipping through unexpected gateways in cell walls."

https://www.quantamagazine.org/plant-cells-of-different-species-can-swap-organelles-20210120/

Plant Cells of Different Species Can Swap Organelles

In grafted plants, shrunken chloroplasts can jump between species by slipping through unexpected gateways in cell walls.

Quanta Magazine
Show threadLeft Field FarmAug 28, 2023
@kevinrns @futurebird Wait, what? I'm not a biologist, but whoa!
Show threadSophie SchmiegAug 28, 2023
@leftfieldfarm @kevinrns @futurebird why stick with plants: there is a species of sea slug that can steal chloroplasts, and apparently have them continue to work for them, creating photosynthetic slugs.
Show threadLeft Field Farm

@sophieschmieg @kevinrns @futurebird

Now I've gotta learn more biology. :D

Aug 28, 2023 at 12:18pmWeb