Dr. Olivia Judson notes the genome as an example to explain fundamental questions of evolution.
"The plant-parasitic nematode Meloidogyne hapla is a case in point: it has about 5,500 fewer genes than the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Similarly, parasitic bacteria tend to have smaller genomes than free-living bacteria. Why does this happen? Because parasites can piggy-back on their hosts for many tasks, such as getting nutrients. They lose the genes because they don’t need them anymore."
You will find resource links for M. hapla and N. tabacum in the menu to your left.
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Welcome to the PNGG
The Plant Nematode Genomics Group integrates knowledge and research of free-living and parasitic nematodes and exploits opportunities in post-genomic biology to make strides in understanding the basic mechanisms of parasitism.
The PNGG is committed to:
Being the leading genomics center for plant nematology worldwide;
Serving as a bridge between animal-parasitic, free-living (C. elegans) and plant-parasitic nematodes and their ecology;
Developing and providing “big science” resources to plant nematologists around the world;
Opening new areas/models for nematode research; and
Providing a unique, diverse and integrated training environment not covered by any traditional academic programs.
Latest Posts:
Plant Nematode Genomics Group | North Carolina State University Charles H. Opperman & David McK. Bird, Directors [email protected]
