Tiny fern smashes world record for biggest DNA

A recent scientific discovery has brought to light an extraordinary fern species, called Tmesipteris oblanceolate, which possesses a genome of remarkable size.

1. This fern, found primarily on the island nation of New Caledonia and neighboring islands in the Southwest Pacific, holds the record for the largest genome among plants, surpassing even the previously recognized record-holder, the Japanese flowering plant Paris japonica.

Unique Characteristics of Tmesipteris oblanceolate:

1. Genome Size:
   1. Tmesipteris oblanceolate has a genome size of a staggering 160.45 billion base pairs (Gbp), 11 billion more than Paris japonica and over 50 times larger than the human genome.
   2. If the DNA in a single cell of this fern were stretched out like a ball of yarn, it would extend nearly 350 feet (106 meters), while the human genome would extend a mere 6-1/2 feet (2 meters).
2. Physical Characteristics:
   1. Tmesipteris oblanceolate is a small plant, typically growing 10-15 centimeters (4-6 inches) in height.
   2. Its main habitat consists of the ground or fallen tree trunks in New Caledonia and neighboring islands.
3. Evolutionary History:
   1. Tmesipteris belongs to a small genus of ferns whose ancestors emerged approximately 350 million years ago, predating the appearance of dinosaurs on Earth.
   2. It is distinguished by its epiphytic habit (growing on tree trunks and branches) and limited distribution in Oceania and several Pacific Islands.

What are Ferns and Their Reproductive Mechanisms:

1. Ferns are a diverse group of plants characterized by their lack of flowers.
2. Similar to flowering plants, ferns possess roots, stems, and leaves.
3. Unlike flowering plants, ferns reproduce sexually through tiny spores or, occasionally, vegetatively.

What is a Genome?

1. A genome includes the complete set of genetic information within an organism.
2. It provides the necessary instructions for the organism's functions and is stored in long molecules of DNA called chromosomes.
3. Specific sections of DNA, known as genes, code for the RNA and protein molecules required by the organism.

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