A new plant species discovered in the Nelliyampathy hills of Kerala’s Palakkad district has been named Stellaria mcclintockiae, in honor of American scientist Barbara McClintock, who won the 1983 Nobel Prize for her discovery of ‘jumping genes.’
About Stellaria mcclintockiae:
Discovery and Characteristics:
- Genus and Family: Stellaria (family Caryophyllaceae)
- Name: Stellaria mcclintockiae
- Height: Grows up to 15 cm
- Habitat:
- Found exclusively in the Nelliyampathy hills
- Elevation: 1,250-1,400 meters
Distinctive Features
- Petals: Unique features differentiating it from other species in the genus
- Pollen Morphology: Specific structural characteristics
- Bracts and Sepals: Notable differences
- Seed Architecture: Distinctive structural traits
Ref: Source
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is Stellaria mcclintockiae?
Stellaria mcclintockiae is a newly discovered plant species found in the Nelliyampathy hills of Kerala’s Palakkad district, named in honor of scientist Barbara McClintock.
Where is Stellaria mcclintockiae found?
This plant species is exclusively found in the Nelliyampathy hills, located in Kerala’s Palakkad district.
Who was Barbara McClintock?
Barbara McClintock was an American scientist awarded the Nobel Prize in 1983 for her discovery of transposable elements, or ‘jumping genes.’
What are ‘jumping genes’?
‘Jumping genes,’ or transposable elements, are DNA sequences that can change their position within the genome, affecting the cell’s genetic identity and activity.