JOURNAL ARTICLE

This odd fish has 30 times as much DNA as humans—a new record for animals.

  • Published In: Sciencemag.org, 2024. P. N.PAG 1 of 3

  • Database: Applied Science & Technology Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Pennisi, Elizabeth 3 of 3

Abstract

The South American lungfish has the largest genome of all lungfishes and all animals. Its DNA comprises 91 billion chemical letters, 30 times more than the human genome. However, the lungfish's genome contains roughly the same number of genes as humans, with the rest consisting of noncoding DNA. The lungfish's genome is primarily composed of repetitive sequences called transposable elements, which make up about 90% of its genome. The lungfish has lost key genes that control the spread of these elements, allowing its genome to grow unchecked. The reasons for this are unclear. The lungfish's genome is not the largest among all living things, as some plants have larger genomes. However, among animals, it is unlikely that there is a larger genome. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Sciencemag.org. 2024/08, pN.PAG
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Zoology
  • Publication Date:2024
  • Accession Number:179038762
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