Fern’s Genome 50 Times Larger Than Human’s
The fork fern Tmesipteris oblanceolata, found in New Caledonia, holds the record for the largest known genome, being 50 times larger than the human genome. Despite its massive genetic material, the fern is a small plant that stands only 10-15 centimeters tall. The genome’s size, which results from an inability to discard redundant DNA, poses significant biological challenges, such as increased resource needs and slower growth. This discovery offers valuable insights into genome evolution and prompts further research into genetic and evolutionary studies.
