Aphid Thermal Tolerance Is Governed by a Point Mutation in Bacterial Symbionts
2007
How Bacteria Affect Aphid Heat Tolerance
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Helen Dunbar, Nancy Moran
Hypothesis
Can a single point mutation in bacterial symbionts affect the heat tolerance of aphids?
Conclusion
Aphids with a specific bacterial mutation reproduce poorly under high temperatures but perform better in cooler conditions.
Supporting Evidence
- A single missing nucleotide in bacteria can significantly affect aphid reproduction under heat.
- Aphids with short-promoter bacteria had fewer offspring after heat exposure compared to those with long-promoter bacteria.
- The mutation was found at frequencies of 21% and 13% in field-collected aphids from Wisconsin and New York.
Takeaway
Aphids rely on bacteria for nutrients, and a tiny change in the bacteria's DNA can make it harder for the aphids to survive heat, but it helps them in cooler weather.
Methodology
The researchers used microarrays to assess gene activity and tested aphids' reproduction under different temperature conditions.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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