Platypus is a kind of unique animal of Australia which has both the characteristic of reptile and mammal. The sequence of platypus genome have arisen lots of excitement because there are interesting biological features different from other mammals. This is why platypus is always said to be ‘the missing link between reptiles and mammals’.
A recent discovery of the genome sequence of platypus has been published. The genome is compared to other animals such as birds and fish so as to see the emergence of mammalian traits and the biology of platypus.
Platypus has 52 chromosomes in both sexes. Male has 5X and 5Y chromosomes with the 5X chromosome similar to the sequence of chicken Z. This implies that the platypus X chromosomes may be evolved from bird-like ancestral system.
The majority of platypus gene is similar to other amniotes no surprisingly. And the number of protein coding genes is similar to that of human. Some genes are linked to the features of reptile, such as egg-laying and production of venom by male platypus. Some shows lactation which is the characteristic of mammals. And like other marsupials, it has the genes which develop the immune system.
Australia has been cut off from evolutionary mainstream for many years. The unique Australian animals can provide valuable information to international genomics. It is hoped that future investigation of platypus can contribute more to the mammalian biology and evolution.
Primay source:
Warren, W.C. et al, 2008. Genome analysis of the platypus reveals unique signatures of evolution. Nature. 453, 175-183.
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v453/n7192/full/nature06936.html
Secondary source:
Forrest , S., Graves, J., 2008. Platypus genome should have been Australia's triumph. http://www.sciencealert.com.au/opinions/20080805-17297.html
Accessed 25 May 2008
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amniota
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marsupials
Sui Kwan YU
41596935
A recent discovery of the genome sequence of platypus has been published. The genome is compared to other animals such as birds and fish so as to see the emergence of mammalian traits and the biology of platypus.
Platypus has 52 chromosomes in both sexes. Male has 5X and 5Y chromosomes with the 5X chromosome similar to the sequence of chicken Z. This implies that the platypus X chromosomes may be evolved from bird-like ancestral system.
The majority of platypus gene is similar to other amniotes no surprisingly. And the number of protein coding genes is similar to that of human. Some genes are linked to the features of reptile, such as egg-laying and production of venom by male platypus. Some shows lactation which is the characteristic of mammals. And like other marsupials, it has the genes which develop the immune system.
Australia has been cut off from evolutionary mainstream for many years. The unique Australian animals can provide valuable information to international genomics. It is hoped that future investigation of platypus can contribute more to the mammalian biology and evolution.
Primay source:
Warren, W.C. et al, 2008. Genome analysis of the platypus reveals unique signatures of evolution. Nature. 453, 175-183.
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v453/n7192/full/nature06936.html
Secondary source:
Forrest , S., Graves, J., 2008. Platypus genome should have been Australia's triumph. http://www.sciencealert.com.au/opinions/20080805-17297.html
Accessed 25 May 2008
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amniota
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marsupials
Sui Kwan YU
41596935
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