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Carnivorous Plant Ejects Junk DNA

Posted by samzenpus on from the who-needs-it? dept.

sciencehabit writes "The carnivorous humped bladderwort, found on all continents except Antarctica, is a model of ruthless genetic efficiency. Only 3% of this aquatic plant's DNA is not part of a known gene, new research shows. In contrast, only 2% of human DNA is part of a gene. The bladderwort, named for its water-filled bladders that suck in unsuspecting prey, is a relative of the tomato. The finding overturns the notion that this repetitive, non-coding DNA, popularly called 'junk' DNA, is necessary for life."

6 of 116 comments (clear)

  1. Re:No. Bad Conclusion. Bad. by gandhi_2 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Too bad you passed up the "my junk ejecting DNA" opportunity for a cheap insightful comment.

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    THL phish sticks
  2. Yeah, I had a cousin who did that a lot too by TWiTfan · · Score: 4, Funny

    Even when we begged him not to in front of people.

    --
    The cow says "Moo." The dog says "Woof." The Timothy says "Thanks, valued customer. We appreciate your input."
  3. That's not junk DNA by MobyDisk · · Score: 4, Funny

    That's not junk: Those are comments!

  4. The carnivorous humped bladderwort by Savage-Rabbit · · Score: 4, Funny

    The carnivorous humped bladderwort...

    Sounds like something from an episose of red Red Dwarf.

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    Only to idiots, are orders laws.
    -- Henning von Tresckow
  5. Re:No. Bad Conclusion. Bad. by freeze128 · · Score: 1, Funny

    You are suspiciously well-versed in biology for a software developer....

  6. Obvious, isn't it? It's carnivorous. by K.+S.+Kyosuke · · Score: 3, Funny

    Only 3% of this aquatic plant's DNA is not part of a known gene, new research shows. In contrast, only 2% of human DNA is part of a gene. ... The finding overturns the notion that this repetitive, non-coding DNA, popularly called 'junk' DNA, is necessary for life.

    What's so difficult to understand? Obviously, when it actually finds itself in need of some junk DNA, it just eats up a few people. Isn't this called Just-in-Time in business management?

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    Ezekiel 23:20