Word: moonrat
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Dates: during 1994-1994
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Scientists have identified a new class of genes -- to be called hedgehogs by convention -- that control a master switch in DNA molecules that tells cells whether they are to become skin, bone or muscle. The new genes are being named for hedgehog species, such as Indian and moonrat. One of them is even called Sonic, after the hedgehog hero of a popular video game...
Tabin suggested using the names of different species of hedgehogs. His lab had called the previous three genes isolated from this family Indian hedgehog, moonrat hedgehog and desert hedgehog, for the gene's ability, when mutated, to give fruit flies the bristly appearance of a hedgehog...
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