Western Honey Bee - Genome

Genome

See also: Honey Bee Genome Sequencing Consortium See also: Subspecies of Apis mellifera

The European honey bee is the third insect, after the fruit fly and the mosquito, to have its genome mapped. According to the scientists who analysed its genetic code, the honey bee originated in Africa and spread to Europe in two ancient migrations. They have also discovered the number of genes related to smell outnumber those for taste, and they have fewer genes for immunity than the fruit fly and the mosquito. The genome sequence revealed several groups of genes, particularly the genes related to circadian rhythms, were closer to vertebrates than other insects. Genes related to enzymes that control other genes were also vertebrate-like.

The genome is unusual in having very few transposons, while they have been present in the evolutionary past (inactive remains were found) and in general evolved slower than in Diptera species.