©Jaume Pellicer/Handout via REUTERS
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- genome /JEE-nohm/
- inability /in-uh-BIL-i-tee /
- reproduction /ree-pruh-DUHK-shuhn/
- necessitate /nuh-SES-i-teyt/
- phenomenon /fi-NOM-uh-non/
[noun] – the complete set of genetic material of a human, animal, plant, or other living thing
The study aimed to analyze the genome of the newly discovered species to understand its evolutionary history.
[noun] – lack of ability to do something
The company’s inability to adapt to new technologies resulted in a loss of competitive edge.
[noun] – the biological process through which an organism produces new individuals or offspring
Reproduction is essential for the continuation of species and the preservation of genetic diversity.
[verb] – to make something necessary or required
The increase in population necessitates the construction of new infrastructure to support the growing community.
[noun] – something that exists and can be observed or experienced, particularly if it is unusual or interesting
The migration patterns of birds during seasonal changes are a fascinating phenomenon studied by ornithologists.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
New research has revealed that a small fern species named Tmesipteris oblanceolata (pronounced: teh-meh-SIP-teh-ris ob-lan-see-oh-LAH-tuh), found in New Caledonia, has the largest genome of any living organism. This genome is 7% larger than that of the previous record-holder, the Japanese plant Paris japonica, and over 50 times the size of the human genome. The fern’s DNA, if stretched out, would extend nearly 350 feet, which is taller than iconic structures like the Statue of Liberty. Tmesipteris oblanceolata grows primarily on the ground or atop fallen tree trunks in New Caledonia and nearby islands such as Vanuatu. Despite its small size of 10-15 centimeters, it has a remarkably large genome, which has puzzled scientists. The large genome does not seem to offer any evolutionary advantage and may be due to the plant’s inability to remove non-functional DNA sequences over time.
The study, published in the journal iScience, highlights the implications of having such a large genome. Larger genomes require more resources for DNA replication, repair, and transcription, which can strain the plant’s energy and nutrient resources, potentially affecting growth, reproduction, and stress responses. Additionally, larger genomes necessitate larger cells, slowing down cellular division and growth, which could limit the plant’s ecological competitiveness. This phenomenon raises questions about why some organisms have large genomes while others do not, as there is no clear relationship between genome size and organism complexity. The little fern’s genome is significantly larger than those of much larger animals and plants, such as the blue whale, African elephant, and giant redwood tree. Researchers continue to study genome sizes across various organisms to understand their role in biodiversity and ecological adaptation.
The study, published in the journal iScience, highlights the implications of having such a large genome. Larger genomes require more resources for DNA replication, repair, and transcription, which can strain the plant’s energy and nutrient resources, potentially affecting growth, reproduction, and stress responses. Additionally, larger genomes necessitate larger cells, slowing down cellular division and growth, which could limit the plant’s ecological competitiveness. This phenomenon raises questions about why some organisms have large genomes while others do not, as there is no clear relationship between genome size and organism complexity. The little fern’s genome is significantly larger than those of much larger animals and plants, such as the blue whale, African elephant, and giant redwood tree. Researchers continue to study genome sizes across various organisms to understand their role in biodiversity and ecological adaptation.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever visited a botanical garden or a nature reserve and looked closely at different types of plants, maybe even small ones that don’t stand out much, like Tmesipteris oblanceolata? If yes, did you think about how complex these small plants are and how important they can be for science? If not, would you like to visit these places to learn more about the variety of plants there and discover some interesting facts about them? Why or why not?
- Have you ever participated in or read about studies related to genetics, particularly those investigating plants and animals with very large genetic materials, like Tmesipteris oblanceolata? If yes, what part of this research did you find most interesting? If not, are you curious about why some creatures have much bigger genetic materials than others, and would you think about learning more about genetics in the future? Why or why not?
- Do you believe finding plants with huge genomes like Tmesipteris oblanceolata means we might need to rethink how we understand the complexity of life?
- How might the discovery of the fern Tmesipteris oblanceolata, with its extremely large genome, challenge our current understanding of the evolutionary benefits of having more or less genetic material?
- How does the discovery of such a large genome in a relatively simple plant like Tmesipteris oblanceolata challenge traditional ideas about the relationship between the size of an organism and its genetic complexity?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- DNA
- replication
- puzzle
- evolutionary advantage
- record-holder