Plant/animal hybrid proteins could help crops fend off diseases
'Pikobodies' loan plant immune systems a uniquely animal trait: flexibility
![A photo of several plants in brown pots sitting on a large table.](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/030223_eg_pikobodies_feat.jpg?fit=1030%2C580&ssl=1)
Scientists gave the immune system of Nicotiana benthamiana, a tobacco relative, a boost by fusing one of its pathogen sensors with small antibodies from llamas and alpacas.
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