Bacterium Syn3.0 has smallest genome of known living organisms

            Scientists have been working to construct a genome of a newly created bacterium known as Syn3.0 Syn3.0 has the smallest genome of any living organism with only 473 genes in its genome. To compare to other bacteria, E. coli has a genome of approximately between 4,000 and 5,000 genes. Furthermore, out of the 473 genes of Syn3.0’s genome, 149 genes biological function remains unknown to biologists. However, scientists have been able to identify the genes that convert DNA into RNA, perform DNA replication/repair, maintain structure of the cell membrane, and metabolism. To put it numerically, scientists have identified the function of 83% of the genes in Syn3.0.

Since, Syn3.0 has an uncluttered genome, scientists hope to learn even more about the foundations of life. With any luck, answers can found in the 149 genes that have yet to identify their function. Consequently, this will allow scientists to build custom microbes to produce drugs and or chemicals.  Currently, scientists have deduced that a microbe needs about 300 genes to survive. More importantly, when scientists have created microbes, they left genes of unknown function out of the mix. Resulting with the death of the microbe. However, when the addition of these genes of unknown function were added, the microbe sprung to life. In the end, Syn3.0’s 149 genes of unknown function may possibly contain the requirements for life.

Original Source: https://www.sciencenews.org/article/scientists-build-minimum-genome-bacterium?mode=topic&context=87

Additional Readings: https://www.rt.com/usa/337122-bacteria-minimal-genes-venter/