A recent study has uncovered some of the important genetic pathways that determine the shape and behavior of a specific type of worm. The findings, published in the journal Nature Genetics, could help researchers better understand the development of more complex organisms, including humans.

The study focused on a species of nematode worm called Caenorhabditis elegans, which is often used as a model organism in scientific research due to its relatively simple genetics. By studying the effects of mutations on the worms’ shape and behavior, the researchers were able to identify several key genetic pathways that are important for the development of the worms.

In particular, the researchers found that mutations in three genes called unc-54, unc-73, and unc-76 were key to determining the shape of the worms. They also determined that mutations in another gene, unc-17, were involved in the worms’ ability to sense light.

The findings provide a better understanding of how these pathways work in C. elegans, and could lead to new insights into the development of more complex organisms, including humans.

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source: Phys.org