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Home Clippings The winner of the world’s longest genome is…

PLEASE NOTE: In the autumn of 1995, we hatched the idea for a free, local gardening publication. The following spring, we published the first issue of Michigan Gardener magazine. Advertisers, readers, and distribution sites embraced our vision. Thus began an exciting journey of helping our local gardening community grow and prosper.
After 27 years, nearly 200 issues published, and millions of copies printed, we have decided it is time to end the publication of our Print Magazine and E-Newsletter.

The winner of the world’s longest genome is…

October 7, 2010   •   

Flickr / Michiteru Kodama
Paris japonica.
Paris japonica. Yes, that’s right, a white flower has a genetic code 50 times longer than that of a human being. This was discovered recently at Kew Gardens in London.

“We were astounded really,” said Ilia Leitch, of Kew’s Jodrell Laboratory.

Leitch and her colleagues suspected the plant might have an larger-than-usual genetic code as its relatives have rather large ones too. But the sheer size of this flower’s genome caught them by surprise. If laid end-to-end it would stretch to more than 300 feet.

“We certainly didn’t expect to find it,” she said.

Read the full NPR story here. 

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