Tiny Fern Holds World Record for Largest Genome
TL;DR Summary
A rare fern from New Caledonia, Tmesipteris oblanceolate, has set a world record for having the largest genome of any living organism, with 160 billion base pairs of DNA. This genome, when unraveled, would stretch to about 100 meters, far surpassing the human genome's 2 meters. Scientists are intrigued by how this tiny plant functions with such an enormous amount of genetic material and hope to learn more about its evolutionary significance and potential impact on extinction risk.
- Tiny fern smashes world record for biggest DNA BBC.com
- This tiny fern has the largest genome of any organism on Earth Phys.org
- Scientists Find the Largest Known Genome Inside a Small Plant The New York Times
- Tiny Fern Found to Have Largest Genome on Earth Yale Environment 360
- Tiny fern breaks world record for largest genome on Earth — with DNA stretching taller than the Statue of Liberty CBS News
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