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Biochemistry
Chemistry In Pictures
Chemistry in Pictures: 'G' is for glamorous
by Max Barnhart
October 31, 2024
Credit: Credit: Kai Squires
For those who celebrate, Halloween is a time for dressing up in costume, trick-or-treating, and maybe attending a party or two.
But Thwaitesia argentiopunctata doesn’t need to don a costume to be the life of the party. This roughly 3 mm long spider, colloquially known as the sequined spider, is found in Australia, and similar species can be found across the world. The sequined spider has an abdomen covered in scales made of the nucleotide guanine, which gives the scales a mirror shine and the spider a disco ball–like appearance. Guanine’s main claim to fame is being one of the four nucleotides that make up our genetic code—the “G” in “ACTG.” But its optical properties make guanine useful for other biological functions, such as giving scallops eyesight. In this case, guanine scales probably help the sequined spider deter predators. People have observed that the scales can change size, perhaps when the spider feels threatened.
So shine on, you glamorous spider. Shine on.
Credit: Kai Squires
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Chemical & Engineering News
ISSN 0009-2347
Copyright © 2024 American Chemical Society
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