Thorns in different plant species have always been an interesting topic for botanists. Whether it is rose plants or cacti, they use thorns to protect themselves from herbivores.
Researchers have not known for a long time about the genetic evolution of spines in plants. This was recently demonstrated by the discovery of how genetic mutations can cause normal plant cells to turn into spines. By studying genetic regulation in plant evolution, it is now clear how spines evolved over time through natural selection.
Genetic basis of the development of thorns in plants
Some of the greatest discoveries in thistle research relate to studying the way specific genes affect plant anatomy. It was revealed that spines are a kind of reorganization of already existing organs and not a complete novelty of plant structure. As the study “Evolutionary study of spines in tissue culture clones of Lycium ruthenicum” reveals:“Thistles, thorns and prickles evolve by modifying genetic programs that would otherwise produce buds or leaves.”In other words, rather than the spines being an evolution of plant structures, they are actually a case of redirecting the developmental programme. Genetic regulators that contribute to overall plant structure and development, specifically meristematic genes, are key. The way these genes are turned off and on determines whether a plant develops hard parts or soft tissue.There is also an additional layer of genetic regulation that controls the timing and location of fork growth.
Evolutionary advantages Thorns in plants
In terms of evolution, there is certainly an advantage to having thorns in plants. Those plants that have managed to develop protection from animal grazing will be able to survive, reproduce, and pass on their genes.“A review of the types, functions, and regulatory mechanisms of plant spines” states:“Defensive structures such as spines have evolved repeatedly across different groups of plants, underscoring their importance in protection from herbivores.”It is worth noting that thorns evolved separately in several plant families.
This process is referred to as convergent evolution, which means that certain environmental factors led to the separate evolution of spines. In other words, in similar environments, spines can evolve separately due to animal grazing.In addition to protection from herbivores, spines can play other roles. For example, in arid habitats, thistles can reduce water loss by providing shade. In cacti, spines are thorns that perform two functions.
Recent research and its future implications
Technological advances have enabled scientists to explore genes at the genetic level. By comparing the genomes of thorny and nonthorny plants, one can identify genetic differences and learn why some plants produce thorns while others do not.Specialized structures in plants more often cause modifications in gene expression patterns than mutations or gene novelties and contribute to the development of certain characteristics.Such a discovery could greatly impact modern agriculture. If specialists can understand how plants control their properties, they will be able to create plants that are less susceptible to various pests and therefore do not need any artificial means to protect them from insects. Furthermore, people can raise plants like roses without thorns but with their natural protection against pests and other potential dangers.In addition to understanding how plants evolve, the above information shows an interesting fact about evolution. Evolution does not necessarily mean creating new mechanisms, as evidenced by the evolution of spines.It turns out that the question of how plants acquire thorns can finally be answered. Thanks to scientific research in genetics, it has been shown that thorns form because plants develop different paths of growth due to changes in gene expression.
