Largest Genome in the Plant Kingdom
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Questions and Answers

What is the length of the fern's genome when stretched out?

  • 1000 meters
  • 100 meters (correct)
  • 1 meter
  • 10 meters
  • Where does the fern typically grow?

  • In the ocean
  • On the trunks and branches of rainforest trees (correct)
  • In the desert
  • On the forest floor
  • How does the size of the fern's genome compare to that of humans?

  • It's similar
  • It's smaller
  • It's impossible to compare
  • It's much larger (correct)
  • What is one reason why scientists want to study the fern's large genome?

    <p>To understand its functions and risks of extinction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many Guinness World Records does the fern hold?

    <p>3</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the name of the fern?

    <p>Tmesipteris oblanceolate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Record-Breaking Fern Genome

    • A fern from New Caledonia, known as Tmesipteris oblanceolate, has the largest genome of any living thing, measuring approximately 100 meters long when stretched out.
    • This fern's genome is so massive that it would surpass the height of Big Ben.

    Characteristics of the Fern

    • Tmesipteris oblanceolate belongs to an ancient group of plants that existed before dinosaurs.
    • It grows on the trunks and branches of rainforest trees.

    Measuring the Genome

    • Scientists measured the DNA by seeing how much dye it absorbed, revealing a genome size of 160 billion base pairs.
    • For comparison, the human genome has approximately 3 billion base pairs.

    Guinness World Records

    • The fern holds three Guinness World Records for its large genome.

    Importance of Understanding Genome Size

    • Understanding why some plants have large genomes could help scientists learn about their functions and risks of extinction.
    • Big genomes need more resources, which can affect a plant's survival.
    • This knowledge can provide insights into the risks of extinction.

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    Description

    A species of fern from New Caledonia has been found to have the largest genome of any living thing, with a DNA sequence 100 meters long. This ancient plant has existed since before the time of dinosaurs. Learn more about this remarkable discovery!

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