Record-breaking: South American Lungfish genome sequenced with 91 billion DNA base pairs

Scientists have sequenced a South American lungfish genome, revealing 91 billion DNA base pairs. This is 30 times more DNA than humans, setting a new record. The discovery ranks as the largest animal genome ever fully sequenced. The findings are shaking assumptions about genome size and evolution.

An international team of genomics and evolutionary biology experts conducted the research. They focused on living fossils to understand vertebrate ancestry. Advanced sequencing technologies were used to decode the massive DNA structure. The results will influence future studies on genome evolution and diversity.

Despite its enormous size, the lungfish genome has roughly similar gene numbers to humans. Most DNA consists of non-coding sequences and repetitive elements, with unknown function. Some chromosomes individually exceed the entire human genome in length. The study proves genome size doesn’t equal organism complexity.

Lepidosiren paradoxa lives in slow rivers and swamps of South America. It is a rare living fossil, surviving millions of years unchanged. Understanding its genome provides insights into ancient vertebrate evolution pathways.

The genome helps scientists study how fish evolved into land vertebrates. It highlights unexpected diversity in animal DNA architecture. The findings may inform conservation strategies and evolutionary biology models. It is a milestone for genetics and natural history research.

Researchers combined long-read sequencing with bioinformatics genome assembly tools.They compared data with other vertebrates to map evolutionary changes. The breakthrough opens doors to studying extreme genome expansion. Future studies will explore functional roles of non-coding DNA in animals.