The list of applications continues to expand with the availability of DNA or RNA sequences of different organisms through new generation sequencing technologies. So, the biological information present in the order of nucleotides of the genetic material or 'genome' of an organism includes the presence of different genes and proteins and their interaction for the overall functioning of an organism. But, the complete biological information about an organism comes not only from its 'genome' but from its 'microbiome' as well. Yes, microbes are part of every organism and every organism is part of them including humans. In fact, the density of microbial cells in a human gut amounts to ~ 1012 cells/ml which can be stated as an additional organ, the genome of which exceeds the size and metabolic function of the host itself. The human microbiota consists of around 150 times more genes than are found in the entire human genome (Goodrich et al. 2017).
This story is from the July-August 2022 edition of Scientific India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July-August 2022 edition of Scientific India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
New Antibodies Target 'Dark Side' Of Influenza Virus Protein
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have identified antibodies targeting a hard-to-spot region of the influenza virus, shedding light on the relatively unexplored "dark side" of the neuraminidase (NA) protein head.
Central black holes inside galaxies are rejuvenating systems of timeless universe
James Web telescope has greatly increased our knowledge of the universe. New galaxies have been discovered, and some of them are so old that hardly enter into the Big Bang cosmology model.
Wonders of Plasma
In physics, the term “Plasma\" refers to a quasi-neutral Iionized gas, or a gas in which a specific percentage of particles are charged.
Giant new snake species identified in the Amazon
A team of scientists on location with a The indigenous hunters took the team into the jungle on a 10-day expedition to search for these snakes, which they consider sacred.
Indian Mushroom in the Global Market: Is India Falling Behind?
A griculture and human evolution are intertwined deeply.
Sinking land increases risk for thousands of coastal residents by 2050
One in 50 people living in two dozen coastal cities in the United States could experience significant flooding by 2050, according to Virginia Tech-led research.
Vibrations of well-being!
Have you ever experienced a sinking feeling in your stomach when you are feeling fearful or some kind of anxiety or stress? On the other hand, when we are feeling ecstatic, we are at different energy state.
Weight loss drug from highly toxic plant can now be produced in yeast
A traditional Chinese medicinal plant has huge potential as a weight loss drug. However, due to the plant's notorious toxicity, no one has yet succeeded in exploiting it effectively.
Crop Wild Relatives of Indian Pipers: therapeutic potential and beyond
India is home to a vast repertoire of diverse plants, With certain plants having significant economical an medicinal value.
The 10 biggest science stories of 2023
Iindia has become the fourth country to successfully land on the moon as the Chandrayaan-3's lander module, with the rover in its belly, successfully made a soft landing on the lunar surface The success of Chandrayaan-3, launched in July 2023, showed the world that not only is India a major player in space, but that a moon lander can be launched successfully for $75m (£60m).