July 16, 2025
- Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, have discovered that a fungus within the lac insect may be responsible for creating the lac pigment.
- The red lac pigment, employed in the production of textiles, craft items, food colour and other items, is made using laccaic acid.
- Scientists initially believed this pigment was created by the insect.
- The newly discovered fungus is similar to yeast and has a symbiotic relationship with the lac insect. It is located inside the egg cell of the insect.
- The creation of laccaic acid takes place due to the genes possessed by the fungus.
Lac Insects Surrounded by Their Resin | Image Source: kernel.iisc.ac.in
