An extensive effort to sequence the genomes of more than a dozen snake species has uncovered mutations that likely helped make their appendages vanish, as well as the DNA underlying other unusual traits.
Snakes are weirdos among vertebrates. Their bodies are typically too thin for more than one lung, they smell with their tongues, and—perhaps most importantly—they have no legs. Now, an extensive effort to sequence the genomes of more than a dozen snake species has uncovered mutations that likely helped make these appendages vanish, as well as the DNA underlying other unusual traits.
To conduct the study, Jia-Tang Li, a herpetologist at the Chengdu Institute of Biology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and colleagues sequenced the genomes of 14 species of snake in 12 families, a sample that spans 150 million years of snake evolution. They also looked at the genomes of 11 snake species that had previously been sequenced. With the new genomes and their analyses, Li has produced “an impressive paper with mind-blowing new resources,” Castoe says.
This “downregulation” also seems true of genes associated with the ability to hear high frequencies, but that genetic change may have led to the reptiles’ reconfigured ear bones, which make them exquisitely sensitive to vibrations. And to make all the organs fit, snakes are also missing two genes,, which typically guide an embryo’s development to make sure its body is symmetrical—with two lungs, for example.
Brasil Últimas Notícias, Brasil Manchetes
Similar News:Você também pode ler notícias semelhantes a esta que coletamos de outras fontes de notícias.
Motion to Suppress: New DNA evidence may not be introduced in A.J. Armstrong’s third trialProsecutors will argue that a shirt worn by A.J. Armstrong after his parents’ murders in 2016, holds critical DNA evidence in the case.
Consulte Mais informação »
Delay in AJ Armstrong trial involving new DNA evidence in the caseA hearing that was scheduled for Tuesday morning to consider a motion to suppress evidence in the third murder trial of Antonio “AJ” Armstrong, Jr. has now been delayed until the start of the July 31 trial. ajarmstrong kprc2 click2hou thebench
Consulte Mais informação »
FTC: Are companies keeping people’s sensitive DNA information private?Can you trust a company when it promises to keep your sensitive DNA data private? If you’re considering using a DNA testing service, here are some things the Federal Trade Commission says you should consider.
Consulte Mais informação »
DNA has revealed the origin of this giant ‘mystery’ geckoA genetic analysis of a 19th century museum specimen, the only known example of the planet’s biggest gecko, has rewritten the animal’s backstory.
Consulte Mais informação »
Mysterious 'Viking disease' linked to Neanderthal DNAA new study finds that the key genetic risk factors for Dupuytren's disease, a crippling hand disorder, are derived from Neanderthals.
Consulte Mais informação »
6 wounded in Baltimore's 4th mass shooting this yearSix people were shot Friday in Baltimore, the fourth mass shooting of at least five people this year.
Consulte Mais informação »