Official announcements from scientific award committees

Researchers Sequence Largest Animal Genome: South American Lungfish

Aug 14, 2024, 03:28 PM

An international team of researchers has successfully sequenced the largest genome of any animal, belonging to the South American lungfish. This genome is 30 times larger than that of a human, marking a significant milestone in genetic research. The study, published in Nature, highlights the role of transposons in expanding the lungfish genome to such an extent. This research provides insights into how the ancestors of modern land vertebrates, including the lungfish, adapted to terrestrial environments.