Bengal Tiger genome sequenced

This genome was compared with that of a Amur or Siberian tiger, the new data reveals major variations between the two.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Updated: 20-05-2018 08:00 IST | Created: 20-05-2018 07:46 IST
Bengal Tiger genome sequenced
The genome of the Royal Bengal tiger, an endangered big cat, has been sequenced to generate a high-quality draft genome sequence of the animal. (Image Credit: Pexels)
  • Country:
  • India

The genome of the Royal Bengal tiger, an endangered big cat, has been sequenced to generate a high-quality draft genome sequence of the animal.

The scientists from the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB) and a Hyderabad-based private company carried out the sequencing and identification of genome variants in Bengal tiger.

During the study, it was observed that "For a very long time it was believed that single nucleotide variants (SNVs) contribute to a majority of the individual genomic variations. Now it is recognized, albeit poorly understood, that much larger changes in the genome like structural variants and copy number variants also contribute significantly to disease susceptibility, phenotypic variations and immunity."

This genome was compared with that of an Amur or Siberian tiger, the new data reveals major variations between the two. Amur tiger occurs in sub-temperate and snow-covered habitats while the Bengal tiger occupies diverse tropical habitats like Himalayan foothills or the Western Ghats.

Insights can be obtained through the Genome data. The genetic differences at the individual level which ranges from a single nucleotide to large structural variants can also be known through it. It provides information about the role of gene variants in adaptation to the environment and disease susceptibility.

Dr Rakesh Mishra, Director CCMB said that genome sequencing will help in the precise understanding of the evolutionary linkage of the organism. He also added that epigenetic analysis will be possible once the genome is available.

Give Feedback