Dictyostelium discoideum, the social amoeba, is a soil-dwelling unicellular protist which forms fruiting bodies made of many cells that aggregate under starvation. Its genome has a very high AT percentage and can help us learn about the evolution of amoebae and how multicellularity happens. Authors: Lucas Bartolomé Grosso, Joan Ortiz Badia, Marc Pedra Vilalta
Genomic interest areas: Model species
Corn plant
Maize cobs typically have an even number of rows — it’s a cool quirk of plant biology—. Regardless of the variety, kernels rows follow a predictable pattern, with most types having between 8 and 20 rows. This happens because of the way maize develops, ensuring the total number of rows is almost always an even…
Zombie-ant fungus
Ophiocordyceps unilateralis is valued in local traditions for its medicinal properties. It contains cordycepin, known for its anti-inflammatory and potential anticancer effects. Additionally, it supports kidney health and may help manage depression and diabetes. de Bekker, C., Ohm, R. A., Loreto, R. G., Sebastian, A., Albert, I., Merrow, M., Brachmann, A., & Hughes, D. P….
Yellow fever mosquito
Aedes aegypti, the yellow fever mosquito, is a vector for several viral diseases, including yellow fever. Its genome is approximately 1.38 Gb in size, with around 15,000 genes. This improved reference genome provides valuable insights into its biology and can inform strategies for controlling arbovirus transmission. Author: Manel Gómez García
Jewel wasp
Nasonia vitripennis is a parasitic wasp species used as a model organism in evolutionary genetics research. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding insect genetics, development, and parasitic relationships. 10.1126/science.1178028 (Jan 15, 2010)
Axolotl
Ambystoma mexicanum, the axolotl, is a salamander species capable of regenerating lost body parts, including limbs and spinal cord. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding regeneration mechanisms and evolution. 10.1038/nature25458 (Jan 24, 2018)
Brewer’s yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae, commonly known as baker’s yeast, is a model organism used in biotechnology and genetics research. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding yeast biology and cellular processes. 10.1126/science.274.5287.546 (Oct 25, 1996)
Rhesus monkey
Macaca mulatta, the rhesus macaque, is a widely studied primate species used as a model organism in biomedical research. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding primate genetics, evolution, and human diseases. 10.1126/science.1139247 (Apr 13, 2007)
Domestic silkworm
Bombyx mori, the silkworm, is a domesticated insect species used for silk production. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding silk production, insect genetics, and developing transgenic silkmoth strains. 10.1093/dnares/11.1.27 (Feb 1, 2004)
Honey bee
Apis mellifera, the western honeybee, plays a crucial role in pollination and honey production. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding bee biology, behavior, and factors affecting bee health. 10.1038/nature05260 (Oct 26, 2006)