Sea urchins genetically close to humans - 10 November

SCIENTISTS have sequenced the genome of the sea urchin, an invertebrate surprisingly similar to humans, a step that could help develop new treatment for human disease such as cancer, a new study says.

After identifying the 23,300 genes of the Strongylocentrotus purpuratus (California purple sea urchin) genome, researchers found humans shared 7077 of their genes with the arguably different-looking brainless and limbless invertebrate.

The genetic ties were far closer than scientists expected and make the sea urchin a closer genetic cousin of man than the worm or fruit fly, the study in the November 10 issue of Science found.

More at http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20733535-1702,00.html


Contributed by Tim Hochgrebe added 2006-11-12

Login or become a member to join in with this discussion.

directory

QYSEA AustraliaQYSEA Australia
QYSEA Australia - we are the exclusive distributor Fifish V6 and other fantastic underwater drones from QYSEA.

Articles

Cyclone Yasi and the Great Barrier ReefCyclone Yasi and the Great Barrier Reef
After the massive impact of Cyclone Yasi, Australia stops to consider the consequences of this natural disaster on the economy, nature and life in Australia as such.
Underwater Card 2