DID YOU KNOW…
The Sea Slug That Photosynthesizes Like a Plant by Stealing Genes!
Did you know? The emerald green sea slug, *Elysia chlorotica*, can steal genes from the algae it eats, enabling it to perform photosynthesis and survive for months purely on sunlight, much like a plant.
This extraordinary ability, known as kleptoplasty, involves the slug not only ingesting chloroplasts from the algae *Vaucheria litorea* but also integrating algal genes into its own chromosomes. These stolen genes produce proteins vital for maintaining the chloroplasts, allowing the slug to effectively become a solar-powered animal. Scientists are studying this unique phenomenon, as it represents a rare example of horizontal gene transfer between a multicellular animal and a single-celled organism, offering insights into potential applications in biotechnology.
🔗 Elysia chlorotica🔗 Horizontal gene transfer of a fucoxanthin chlorophyll a/c binding protein gene from the alga Vaucheria litorea to the sea slug Elysia chlorotica
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