The American Cockroaches’ Genome Is Larger Than The Human Genome
The American Cockroaches’ Genome Is Larger Than The Human Genome
Cockroaches are well known for being capable of many death defying feats. For example, rumors claim that cockroaches can survive for a period of time without their heads. This is just one of many rumors that commonly circulate about cockroaches. Surprisingly, many of these common rumors are not far from the truth. However, there exists many species of cockroach in the world, and not all of them are capable of seemingly impossible feats. The American cockroach is, perhaps, the most fascinating of all cockroach species as they are capable of living for at least a week after being decapitated. Other amazing abilities exhibited by this cockroach species include the ability to fly, and the remarkably fast speed at which they skitter across the ground. When this roach species skitters away from a threat they can reach the human equivalent of two hundred and ten miles per hour after adjusting for their size. American cockroaches can also eat just about anything that you can imagine including feces, the glue on book bindings and even other cockroaches. All of these abilities and more are hardwired into the American cockroache’s genome. For the first time in history Chinese scientists have recently mapped out the entirety of the American cockroache’s genome.
According to Shen Li of South China Normal University, and head researcher on the American Cockroach genome project, the genome of the American cockroach is the second largest insect genome ever sequenced, and is much larger than the human genome. The sequencing of the American cockroaches’ genome is allowing researchers to better understand the many peculiar aspects of this insect’s behavior.
Li’s research team found that the genes associated with sensory perception, detoxification, immune system functioning, growth and reproduction were enlarged in the American cockroach. Therefore, the above named abilities are highly developed in American cockroaches and are well expressed in their behavior. This explains why American cockroaches are able to adapt to a variety of different environments, especially ones that are rich in different disease-causing pathogens. Other types of cockroaches, such as German cockroaches, are often found in human environments, such as kitchens and bathrooms. However, the American cockroache’s genetic makeup allows them to thrive in a variety of different environments. This is why the American cockroach is the largest species of common cockroach.
Have you ever heard of a cockroach species that could fly more effectively than the American cockroach species?