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Global team to sequence giant panda genome |
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14:15, March 20, 2008 |
Initiated by Chinese scientists and in collaboration with scientists from Canada, Britain, the US and Denmark, the Giant Panda Genome Research Project was recently launched. Within half a year, the team will try to obtain the giant panda's genome map.
According to the Chengdu Research Base for Giant Panda Breeding, the giant panda and human beings carry approximately the same number of genes: 20-30,000.
In addition to sequencing the FLX genome, the project will further investigate the heredity and variation within the giant panda population.
In effect, a secure genome map, as well as a duplicate of the giant panda genome, will offer tremendous information to study the species' history and present situation, including historical population size, level of inbreeding, an accurate estimate of gene flow, as well as a previous connection between two populations inhabiting different mountain areas.
The Giant Panda Genome Research Project will explore the genetics and biological foundations of the species to gain a better understanding. The project will particularly help to recover the panda's survival capabilities and evolution; and offer a scientific basis for the artificial breeding of the giant panda.
The pandas in the genome study come from the Chengdu Research Base for Giant Panda Breeding and China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center.
Chinese edition: 国际联手破解大熊猫基因组
By People's Daily Online
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