Core Viewpoint - The research conducted by a team from Huazhong Agricultural University reveals that a new functional gene can originate "from scratch," challenging the long-held belief that new genes arise from existing ones through errors in replication or fusion [1][3]. Group 1: Research Findings - The study published in the journal "Cell" details a multi-step process for the emergence of a new gene named SCREP, which significantly inhibits the synthesis of a key aromatic compound, eugenol, in roses [1][3]. - The SCREP gene's origin involved a non-coding DNA segment that appeared approximately 63 million years ago, which evolved into a complete protein-coding gene framework over 16 million years, aided by the insertion of a "jumping gene" known as MITE [3][4]. - Genetic sequencing and aroma component analysis of 38 rose species revealed that the SCREP gene is commonly found in more evolved or artificially selected rose varieties, indicating its role in shaping the aromatic characteristics of these plants [3]. Group 2: Implications and Applications - This discovery provides a theoretical basis for the targeted regulation of floral scent traits in roses and holds significant potential for synthetic biology applications [4]. - The research opens avenues for creating new genes from scratch, moving beyond traditional methods that rely on modifying existing genes to improve plant traits [4].