The genome obesity of Paris japonica C016 / 5297
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The genome obesity of Paris japonica C016 / 5297
Paris japonica is a rhizomatous perennial plant endemic to Japan, occuring in subalpine regions of Honshu. Recent research at Kew Gardens, UK, has demonstrated that it has the largest known genome of any living organism on the planet, with 150000 million base pairs in its DNA. By comparison with this genome obesity, the human gene comprises 3000 million base pairs. A single strand of P. japonica DNA stretched out would be approximately 100m long, compared to 2m for human DNA. The reason for variations in the size of genomes is not fully understood. However, very large genomes occur in several Monocotyledonous plants, and are associated with high risk of extinction.P japonica as a garden plant is highly prized, but difficult to grow and flower and very slow to increase. The plant in the picture is growing in Norfolk, UK, photographed in May 2013
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Media ID 9206059
© DR JEREMY BURGESS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Base Pairs Genome Honshu Japan Monocotyledon
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the remarkable genome obesity of Paris japonica C016 / 5297, a rhizomatous perennial plant native to Japan. Found in the subalpine regions of Honshu, this extraordinary organism has recently been discovered to possess the largest known genome on Earth. Extensive research conducted at Kew Gardens in the United Kingdom has revealed that its DNA contains a staggering 150,000 million base pairs, dwarfing even the human gene which comprises only 3,000 million base pairs. To put this astonishing genetic makeup into perspective, if a single strand of P. japonica DNA were stretched out, it would span an impressive length of approximately 100 meters compared to just 2 meters for human DNA. The reasons behind such variations in genome size remain largely mysterious; however, it is worth noting that other Monocotyledonous plants also exhibit large genomes and are often associated with a high risk of extinction. Despite its immense genetic complexity and significance within scientific circles, cultivating P. japonica as a garden plant poses considerable challenges due to its slow growth rate and difficulty in flowering. Nevertheless, this elusive beauty remains highly prized among enthusiasts worldwide. The photograph captures one such specimen thriving amidst the serene landscapes of Norfolk in May 2013. Taken by esteemed photographer Dr Jeremy Burgess from Science Photo Library, this image serves as both an awe-inspiring testament to nature's diversity and a reminder of our ongoing quest to unravel the mysteries hidden within our planet's most fascinating organisms.
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