<em>Dionaea muscipula</em>: From Prey to Predator (VIDEO)

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

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Venus flytraps have fascinated biologists for centuries, however, the molecular underpinnings of their carnivorous lifestyle remain largely unknown. In a study published online today in Genome Research, researchers characterized gene expression, protein secretion, and ultrastructural changes during stimulation of Venus flytraps and discover that common plant defense systems, which typically protect plants from being eaten, are also used by Venus flytraps for insect feeding.

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Video credit: S&ouml;nke Scherzer

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Video may only be used with appropriate caption and credit (S&ouml;nke Scherzer)

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