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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."

4 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.

    --
    Only to idiots, are orders laws.
    -- Henning von Tresckow