Question

9) What is the minimum number of genes needed to sustain life? How did researchers demonstrate that this minimum set of genes could sustain life?

Answer 1

NUMBER OF GENES NEEDED TO SUSTAIN LIFE-

On march 25, the researchers headed by genomics Pioneer Craig venter,reported that the cell survived and reproduce with only 473 genes, which is the smallest genome of any organism found in nature.

The human genome has 19,000and 25,000 number of genes needed to sustain life.

RESEARCHERS DEMONSTRATION FOR MINIMUM SET OF GENE FOR SUSTAINING LIFE

Venter, has been working to create a version of the bacterium Mycoplasma mycoides with only the bare minimum of genetic instructions required for life. As it turns out, he says, at least 473 genes are essential to sustain life in a lab.

Venter says. “ the number would not be an essential number for humans or even an essential number for surviving in the wild. But surviving in our laboratory conditions with well-grown things, that number comes out at only 473 genes. But I think the biggest surprise is 149 of those are of complete unknown function.

The human genome is believed to contain between 20,000 and 25,000 genes. And the fact that no one knows the function of 149 genes necessary for life means scientists actually know a lot less about biological life than they thought they did.