Scientists are making strides in understanding parthenogenesis, or virgin birth, in the flowerpot snake. This tiny, sightless reptile is unique because its entire species is female.
A study in Science Advances mapped the flowerpot snake's genome. Researchers discovered the snake has 40 chromosomes arranged into three subgenomes, a condition called triploidy. Gene activity in its ovaries suggests how it manages meiosis without sexual reproduction.
While parthenogenesis is seen in some reptiles, this research may provide insights into human trisomies. These conditions often cause birth defects in humans. Understanding why they don't in flowerpot snakes could lead to potential applications for humans, according to Peter Uetz.
Genetic diversity is crucial for a species' survival, allowing adaptation to changing environments. Sexual reproduction creates diversity by combining genetic material from two parents. Parthenogenesis eliminates the male contribution, using only the female's genetic information.
This asexual reproduction is common in invertebrates and some vertebrates, but not mammals due to genomic imprinting. Flowerpot snakes are obligate parthenogens, relying solely on parthenogenesis. Facultative parthenogens can switch between sexual and asexual reproduction.
Flowerpot snakes are small, burrowing snakes often found worldwide due to accidental transport in flower pots. Since 1987, it's been known they are all female. The recent study analyzed their DNA and compared it to other snake species.
Researchers found the flowerpot snake was triploid, with three sets of chromosomes, unlike the diploid Diard's blindsnake and Cantor's rat snake. Gene activity analysis showed some genes in the flowerpot snake have shut down, while DNA repair genes are working in overdrive.
In most animals, meiosis halves the number of chromosomes in reproductive cells. Flowerpot snakes may double their genome before meiosis, a process called premeiotic endoreplication. This helps maintain their unique chromosome count.
Further research is needed to understand parthenogenesis fully. Matthew Fujita hopes these insights will reveal how harmful mutations accumulate. This knowledge could aid conservation efforts and protect biodiversity.
Fujita plans to study the Dixon's whiptail, a parthenogenetic lizard potentially endangered. He emphasizes the importance of appreciating natural diversity to uncover more about these unique species.