Tiny Fern Sets World Record for Largest Genome
TL;DR
The New Caledonian fern Tmesipteris oblanceolata has been awarded the Guinness World Record for the largest genome on Earth, with its DNA stretching taller than the Statue of Liberty. The fern's genome is 160 gigabase pairs, over 50 times more than humans. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the biological limits of genome size and raises questions about the function and evolutionary significance of such large amounts of DNA.
- Tiny fern breaks world record for largest genome on Earth — with DNA stretching taller than the Statue of Liberty CBS News
- This tiny fern has the largest genome of any organism on Earth Phys.org
- World record broken for living thing with most DNA AOL
- 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
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