News Highlight:
- Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal have carried out whole genome sequencing of banyan ( Ficus benghalensis) and peepal ( Ficus religiosa) from leaf tissue samples.
- They also undertook a comprehensive genome-wide phylogenetic analysis with 50 other angiosperm plant species, including four other sequenced Ficus species.
Key takeaway:
Sequencing identifies genes responsible for longevity, disease resistance and other stress tolerance in banyan and peepal.
Analysis by researchers:
- Â Multiple signs of adaptive evolution (MSA):
- 17 genes of the Banyan tree and 19 genes of the peepal tree have been identified.
- These genes are having multiple signs of adaptive evolution (MSA) that plays a pivotal role in the long-term survival of these two Ficus species.
- The genes with MSA came about in response to the population bottleneck faced by both trees around 0.8 million years ago.
- Genes showing multiple signs of adaptive evolution in banyans were mainly associated with root development, leaf formation, metabolism, pollen tube and seed development and other developmental processes.
- The MSA genes of peepal trees were mainly associated with root development, reproduction, and metabolism.
- Â Comparative evolutionary analysis:
- The comparative evolutionary analysis performed across 20 phylogenetically closer Eudicot species revealed adaptive evolution in genes involved in major cellular mechanisms associated with long-time survival such as phytohormones signalling, senescence pathways, fig-wasp coevolution, and stress tolerance.
- Gene family expansion/contraction analysis:
- Gene family expansion/contraction analysis revealed that the highly expanded gene families of both species were involved in disease resistance functions in plants.
- Tolerance:
- In the case of the banyan tree, 15 of 17 MSA genes were also associated with tolerance against environmental stress — drought, oxidative stress, and pathogens. In peepal trees, 17 out of 19 MSA genes were associated with stress tolerance activities.
- Stress tolerance mechanisms are also responsible for the medicinal properties of these trees.
- Pollinations:
- In addition, the researchers identified seven genes involved in two pathways that produce volatile organic compounds in floral scents which attract wasps for pollination.
Genome Sequencing:
- What is a Genome:
- A genome is the complete set of genetic information of an organism. It contains all the instructions for creating and maintaining life.
- Every living organism consists of a genome.
- A human genome consists of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. On the contrary, the genome of a virus comprises RNA as the genetic material.
- Our genome contains around 20,000 genes. They make up 1-5% of our genome.
- The DNA between the genes is involved in gene regulation.
- About Genome Sequencing:
- The genome is a unique sequence of DNA. It is sequenced by certain machines to identify the cause of a particular disease.
- Some diseases are caused by very little variation in the DNA.
- Sequencing the genome can help us identify which DNA changes are causing the problem.
- The genome of the tumour cells is altered when compared to normal cells.
- By comparing the genome of the normal and cancer cells we can get clues about ways to treat cancer.
Applications of Genomes:
- Medical Applications:
- DNA and transgenes are used to create oral plant vaccines that stimulate immunity.
- Precision medicine provides information about the genetic makeup of a patient to direct the type of treatment they receive.
- Biotechnology Applications:
- Genomics has several applications in the field of bioengineering and biotechnology.
- Applications in Social Science:
- Genome sequencing is used to analyse the factors involved in species conservation. For, e.g., the genetic diversity of a population can be used to predict the health and conservation of species.
- This helps in analysing the consequences of evolutionary processes and picking up the genetic patterns of a specific population.Â
- Analyses of these patterns can help devise ways to conserve species.
Pic Courtesy: freepik
content Source: The Hindu