Panda genome sequencing is complete: the higher the level of genetic diversity

Panda genome sequencing is complete

Genome sequencing shows that the Giant Panda has a higher genetic diversity.

Figure /CFP in completed the world's first Chinese standard genome sequencing, the Chinese people have completed the Chinese endemic animal — the Giant Panda's genome sequencing. For privacy reasons, the researchers did not announce that bit is sequencing of Chinese people are, but we know the Panda names, it is called the "Crystal".

Panda jingjing gene sequencing results published on December 13, of the Nature of the magazine, the study combines the Chinese elite genetic research — Shenzhen huada gene Research Institute, as well as the authority of the giant panda research — the Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Zoology, the Chengdu giant panda breeding research base and the Center for studies of Chinese pandas.

Panda's "the bear"

Giant pandas have black eyes, a round body, charmingly naive, but measured by gene map looks just some figures on the average person, every gene Atlas can be referred to as "the world's most boring books."

Fortunately now science has gone beyond merely able to crack the genome, scientists will be able to read a lot of useful information.

First, in the genome sequencing and announced mammals — people, apes, mice, cows, horses and dogs, the Giant Panda's genes and the dog nearest.

This is not a surprise to people expected: are carnivores. Data analysis results as well as further support for the majority of scientists by "the Giant Panda is a species of bears" in this view, the evidence bears the internal classification of various groups. Prior to this, our animal taxonomists have tended to have a separate branch of the giant panda, known as "Panda Division". While foreign animal taxonomists are the Panda on the "bears". Now China has also started to tend to a classification, which means that Panda is simply a way to eat bamboo bear. Unfortunately, there is no person ever bear branch of other members of the gene sequencing, genomics Institute is doing the polar bear's genome sequencing, the results will be announced in the near future.

So, how is the giant panda embarked on love bamboo not love meat "elegant" life? lead the study of the genomics Institute of the Ridge Dr., researchers found one called T1R1 taste receptor.

It giant pandas genome "activity" as "lost pseudogene". This receptor gene in higher animals in the main role is to feel the "flavor", that is part of the Giant Panda has lost at least one of the "flavor" of perception, and the genes of "deactivation" occur in the relatively recent evolution in the 90s. This might be able to explain why Panda became the Carnivora animals rare "vegetarian". Then, the Giant Panda is how to digest the coarse bamboo? in and digestion-related genes and positioning, researchers have found a special gene and mutation, this implies that the Giant Panda's ability to digest crude fiber, maybe not from its own special gene, but from the role of intestinal microflora of giant pandas, and for the study of intestinal microflora of giant pandas, is also in progress.

Relatively high levels of genetic diversity

In addition to a description of the individual to the Panda, the study also from the angle of the Panda population.

After a diploid sequence that Panda genome still have a very high rate of heterozygosity, thus inferred that has a higher genetic polymorphism, will not be endangered. Now, huada gene Research Institute is carrying out a study on the topic of the giant panda populations, this subject is selected from the five main areas of wild pandas inhabit, Panda group genome level of polymorphism survey to determine the degradation of the giant panda population. Ridge said, perhaps unexpected results.

The ba

nd said: "the gene as an important resource, is currently the object of contention among scientists, giant pandas as our unique species that have specific genetic background, is a special gene banks, protect endangered animals first protection gene, that is we have repeatedly stressed." While genome research, it is at the maximum level of protection of genetic resources. As we study the deepening of the giant panda group, we want to be able to give each a Panda with a copy of "Gene ID, this ID can be" for the future of artificial breeding Panda provides appropriate information to avoid the "close relatives" breeding population degradation caused by ".", disease and drug reaction Panda research provides the basis of information, protection of the Giant Panda has a great practical significance.

Interviews/reporter Liu Zheng