Monday, November 28, 2011

Genetic Code of First Arachnids Cracked

Summary: An international team of scientists have deciphered the genome of the spider mite. This is the first known genome of arachnids. Since the genome has been deciphered scientists can now make a crop protection from the mites. Spider mites are colonial and they feed on plant juices. They like over 1100 plant species and they plague crops that have tomatoes, corn, cucumbers and strawberries. The way the mite kills the plants is by stabbing the leave and sucking it dry of water. Spider mites get their name from spinning their silk around the leaves so they don't get sun. To conclude, the researchers identified numerous genes involved in detoxification and digestion.

Critique: I'm glad that food crops will be extended longer when theses mites are gone.

Impact: Most people read the title and don't care. I was interested in this because I read the article and realized it actually had something to do with affecting people. It affects us by our crop life being extended.

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