Fern’s Genome 50 Times Larger Than Human’s

Researchers have found the biggest genome ever found in the fork fern Tmesipteris oblanceolata, which grows in New Caledonia and nearby islands. Its genome is 7% bigger than the oldest record holder, the Paris japonica, and more than 50 times bigger than the human genome.

Understanding Genome Size

Base pairs, which are the basic building blocks of DNA in an organism’s cells, are used to measure the genome size. If you took apart the DNA in one cell of Tmesipteris oblanceolata, it would be longer than the Statue of Liberty and Big Ben combined. It would be almost 350 feet (106 meters) long.

The Physical Attributes of Tmesipteris oblanceolate

Even though it has an interesting genetic makeup, Tmesipteris oblanceolata is not very noticeable in its natural environment. It is a very small plant that grows on the forest floor or dead tree stumps. Its height is usually only 10 to 15 centimeters. It looks like it has leaf-like structures that have flattened roots.

Evolutionary Perspective

About 350 million years ago, this species of fern split off from other plants in its evolutionary tree. Interestingly, the large genome doesn’t seem to help development in any way. Scientists think that the plant’s big genome size might be because it can’t get rid of DNA that isn’t needed or is repeated over time.

Implications of Large Genome Sizes

A bigger genome means that a plant needs more resources because it takes more energy to copy, fix, and transcribe DNA. This higher demand might make it harder for the plant to grow, reproduce, and deal with stresses in its surroundings. Bigger genomes also make cells bigger and slow down the process of DNA synthesis, which could slow down growth and make an organism less competitive in its environment.

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2024

Category: Science & Technology Current Affairs