The entire genome for the parasite Panagrellus redivivus, commonly known as the bookworm, has been completed. In an article in Science Daily, the specifics on cracking the genetic code of the parasitic worm are listed. The nematode was found to have over 24,000 genes encoded in its DNA, which is nearly the same number as the human genome. Jagan Srinivasan, an assistant professor of biology and biotechnology at Worchester Polytechnic Institute, remarked,"Humans and nematodes share a common ancestor that lived in the oceans more than 600 million years ago."
The bookworm's genome being sequenced is significant because it is the first time the genome of a free-living nematode has been sequenced other than the widely studied C. elegans. Scientists hope to learn from the genome of the bookworm, because they share a common ancestor with humans that dates back 600 million years, in addition to the similar numbers of genes in their DNA. Much has already been learned from C. elegans in recent years, and researchers hope that the bookworm will provide similar breakthroughs. The differences between the male and female nematode, and how they are able to mate is being studied as well. The behavior of the worms will lead to new information about their species for scientists to process, and to learn more about human genetics in comparison. More information on the nematode C. elegans is available in this description.
No comments:
Post a Comment