For ages, humanity has pondered the question: Did the chicken come first, or was it the egg? Scientists have finally cracked this age-old enigma. Groundbreaking research from the University of Sheffield and Warwick University in the UK confidently declares the chicken as the herald. The fascinating reason behind this lies within the eggshell, featuring a unique protein called ovocleidin-17 (OC-17), exclusively formed within the chicken's body.
To create a robust eggshell, chickens convert calcium carbonate into a crystal, a process accelerated by the mighty OC-17 protein, found solely in a chicken's ovary. Without this protein, crafting the modern chicken egg would be impossible.
Source: aajtak
Utilizing supercomputer capabilities, scientists delved deeper, discovering how OC-17 expedites calcium's transformation into crystals, forming sturdy eggshells in just 24-26 hours. Dr. Colin Freeman from the University of Sheffield remarked on this empirical revelation that contradicts long-held beliefs of the egg emerging first, affirming that indeed, the chicken led the way. Thus, the contention stands that the first chicken laid the initial true egg, thanks to the OC-17 production within its anatomy.
Despite Evolution Theory suggesting eggs' presence ages prior—dinosaurs and other birds laid eggs millions of years ago—chickens evolved progressively from their wild forebears, the Red Junglefowl.
A pivotal phase occurred when two almost-chickens mated, causing a genetic mutation that birthed the first genuine chicken egg. From that egg, the pioneering chicken emerged. So, in general egg terms, the egg preceded. Yet, specifically regarding the chicken's egg, the bird led.
Source: aajtak
This research wasn't merely to resolve a riddle but to comprehend eggshell creation processes further. The olympian OC-17 empowers chickens to expedite sturdier egg production, potentially paving pathways for robust material innovations or breakthroughs in medicine.
Scientifically articulated, this long-standing debate now has a rational answer. Hence, when queried "Which came first, the chicken or the egg?" you can confidently state: According to science, it was truly the chicken with OC-17 protein.
