In a groundbreaking discovery, a humble fern has secured its place in the record books by boasting the largest genome of any living organism known to science. The plant’s genetic material, when unraveled, stretches a staggering 100 meters, surpassing iconic landmarks like Big Ben in sheer scale.
Dr. Ilia Leitch of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, described the finding as “crazy,” noting the incongruity of a seemingly inconspicuous plant harboring such an immense genetic blueprint. The fern, known scientifically as Tmesipteris oblanceolate, hails from a primordial lineage predating the reign of dinosaurs and is endemic to the lush rainforests of New Caledonia in the Pacific Ocean.
The study, published in the journal iScience, unveiled the fern’s genome size of 160 billion base pairs of DNA—a staggering feat unmatched by any other organism on the planet. By comparison, the human genome pales in comparison, containing a mere three billion base pairs.
This remarkable discovery not only sheds light on the evolutionary history of plants but also raises intriguing questions about the functional implications of such a vast genome. Scientists are eager to explore how the fern navigates the complexities of cellular processes with an unprecedented amount of genetic material.
The fern’s newfound status as a record holder extends beyond the scientific realm, earning it three Guinness World Records for the largest genome, largest plant genome, and largest fern genome. Adam Millward of Guinness World Records remarked on the humbling nature of the discovery, emphasizing the vast expanse of the plant kingdom and the mysteries that continue to unfold within its DNA.
Indeed, the diversity of genome sizes across the plant and animal kingdoms underscores the complexity and wonder of life on Earth. From the towering oak tree with its relatively modest genome to the unassuming fern with its extraordinary genetic legacy, each organism offers a glimpse into the intricate tapestry of evolution and adaptation that defines our planet’s biodiversity.
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