Is the insect gene expected to be found in:

a. an insect not infected with Wolbachia?

b. an insect infected with Wolbachia?

1 answer

The presence of a specific insect gene would generally depend on the specific gene in question rather than the influence of Wolbachia itself. However, regarding your question:

a. An insect not infected with Wolbachia: Yes, it is expected that if the gene is normally present in the insect species being studied, it would be found in an insect that is not infected with Wolbachia.

b. An insect infected with Wolbachia: Yes, the insect gene is also expected to be found in an insect that is infected with Wolbachia, assuming the gene is inherent to the insect species. Wolbachia can influence gene expression and may even induce some changes in the host's genetics, but it doesn't typically cause the loss of the insect's own genes.

In summary, unless the specific gene has been affected by horizontal gene transfer or similar processes, you can expect to find the gene in both infected and non-infected insects of the same species.