Surprising Discovery: Humans Have Same Number of Genes as Small Plants and Worms

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In summary, researchers have recently discovered that humans have a similar number of genes as small plants and worms, with an estimated range of 20,000 to 25,000 genes. This is a significant decrease from the previous estimate of 30,000 to 40,000 genes published in 2001. This new range is considered to be accurate, as lab work has independently confirmed the existence of 19,599 genes. However, it should be noted that humans may produce a larger number of splice variants, making them more complex than plants and worms.
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NEW YORK -- In a blow to human vanity, researchers now say that people have about the same number of genes as a small flowering plant or a tiny worm. The new estimate is down sharply from just three years ago.

The new estimate is 20,000 to 25,000 genes, a drop from the 30,000 to 40,000 the same group of scientists published in 2001.

By comparison, C. elegans, a worm that is a favorite research subject, has around 19,500 genes. Another lab favorite, a plant in the mustard family called Arabidopsis, has about 27,000.

Scientists said the new range appears to be firm, especially with 20,000 at the lower end, because lab work has independently demonstrated that 19,599 genes exist.
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http://www.harktheherald.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=37943&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
 
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Perhaps you would care to search how many splice varients of our genes we produce? Complexity wise, i think we are still king :)
 
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I post the same story.
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=48961
 

Related to Surprising Discovery: Humans Have Same Number of Genes as Small Plants and Worms

1. How is it possible that humans have the same number of genes as plants and worms?

This discovery is surprising because humans are much more complex organisms than small plants and worms. However, it is important to note that the number of genes does not necessarily correspond to complexity. Some organisms, like humans, have a high number of non-coding DNA, which means that a large portion of our DNA does not code for proteins. This non-coding DNA may contribute to the complexity of our bodies, but it does not necessarily mean that we have more genes than other organisms.

2. Does this mean that humans and plants/worms are more closely related than previously thought?

The number of genes does not necessarily determine how closely related two organisms are. It is possible for two distantly related organisms to have a similar number of genes. This discovery does not necessarily change the current understanding of the evolutionary relationships between humans and plants/worms.

3. How was this discovery made?

This discovery was made through a genome sequencing project. Scientists sequenced the genomes of different organisms and compared the number of genes. They found that small plants and worms have a similar number of genes as humans.

4. What does this mean for the study of genetics?

This discovery challenges the previous belief that humans have a significantly higher number of genes than other organisms. It may lead to a shift in the focus of genetic research, as scientists may now consider the role of non-coding DNA in gene regulation and complex biological processes.

5. Could this discovery have any practical applications?

It is possible that this discovery could have practical applications in fields such as medicine and agriculture. A better understanding of non-coding DNA and its role in gene regulation could help in the development of new treatments for genetic disorders. Additionally, it could lead to improvements in crop breeding and genetic engineering techniques for plants and worms.

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