Mite genomes reveal 'mighty surprising' fragrant and colorful secrets
Tuesday, November 20, 2018 - 16:10
in Biology & Nature
Scientists have uncovered some unexpected 'foreign' genes in the tiny itch-inducing chigger mite and its more benign but enormous cousin, the giant velvet mite. Genome sequencing of these mites, both members of the trombidid mite family, reveals them to have functional genes for producing terpenes -- naturally occurring and often fragrant compounds that are commonly found in plants, but extremely rare in the animal world.