ScienceAugust 27, 2026
dodder
DOD-er
Definition
A type of parasitic plant that lacks chlorophyll, wraps around a host plant, and draws nutrients and genetic material from it.
Etymology
The word originated in Middle English, likely from a Germanic source related to words meaning 'to tremble' or 'to shake,' possibly referencing the plant's dangling, string-like appearance.
In the news
In the article, the dodder is identified as a parasitic plant that steals and integrates foreign genes from its host through horizontal gene transfer. It serves as the primary subject for demonstrating how parasites can remodel stolen genes over time.
Parasitic plants act like genetic engineers by stealing and remodeling useful genes
Read the full article ↗Asia Research News |