It's warmer these days, and that means lots of walks. Along one of our regular routes there are a lot of clovers. The child in me searches for a four leaf gem among the three leafed plants every time we stroll by. I remember finding one in my yard as a kid. I thought myself quite lucky. Have you found one in your lifetime?Turns out 1 in 10,000 clovers is a four leaf clover. They happen rarely in nature because they happen by chance. A chance that a gene mutates on its own, or scientists theorize, a chance that the environment causes a gene to mutate, or that a recessive gene causes a fourth leaf to grow. Turns out one company claims they can increase the chance of the four leaf aberration to 1 in 41. Through my internet research (and I certainly understand the downfalls of such research), I wasn't able to find out if they've actually found the specific gene that mutates or how they increase probability of a four leaf clover happening (they claim they add a secret genetic ingredient). What I was able to discover is how much superstition surrounds the four leaf clover. I even found instructions on how to find one (i.e., get relaxed, feel your heart direct you to the clover, be patient, etc.). So, if you've still had no luck and your interested in purchasing a 1 out of every 41, just see here. As for me, I'll stick with just looking and the science. Too bad there isn't much of it on this topic. I need to go to the library.
Come back next week for explanation on this gene stuff and fun with the Punnett Square!
picture found here
4 comments:
That's hilarious that they have a step by step emotional journey to find one! Ha!
"fun with the Punnett Square!" Spoken like a true biology grad!
So, the fourth leaf is from a genetic mutation? Does that mean if I find a four leaf clover I will get mutant powers? Is that why it is lucky? If so, I am willing to take that emotional journey to become the next Irish superhero.
So mutation or recessive gene, eh? My bet is on recessive gene. What about you?
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