Research reveals that the unpleasant sulfur smell emitted by certain wild ginger species arises from a single amino acid, methionine. This substance, known for causing bad breath, is converted by a mutated gene into dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), the chemical responsible for the flowers' odor that attracts carrion flies. The study, led by Dr. Yudai Okuyama, highlights how specific genetic variations can lead to unique evolutionary traits, indicating that such traits may evolve more easily than previously thought, challenging existing assumptions in evolution.
"Scientists say the odour is down to small changes in an enzyme that prevents bad breath in humans, illustrating a simpler evolution of traits than expected."
"Dr. Yudai Okuyama noted that extraordinary traits in some organisms can evolve in simpler ways, contrary to common expectations about evolutionary processes."
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