Bladderwort's Genome Examined

The genetic make-up of Utricularia gibba has been identified by researchers from University at Buffalo (UB). U. gibba, commonly known as bladderwort, is a carnivorous plant with no recognizable roots, has fibrous branches and bladder traps used to capture prey. In the recent study conducted by University at Buffalo researchers, they revealed that bladderwort genome which is six times smaller than the grape genome, contains more genes than the grapes, 28,500 and 26,300 respectively. Genes found in bladderwort are much linked to its carnivorous characteristic and the biosynthesis of cell walls.

UB researchers further revealed that this ability of bladderwort's genome to house many gene is a result of the fast-paced  gene gaining and deletion. This was achieved through the three duplication of the genome resulting in having redundant copies of genes. These genes quickly underwent the deletion process such that redundant genes which are considered junk are quickly removed.  Hence, genes that remained in bladderwort's genome functions in adaptation.

Full details of the story can be read at the University at Buffalo's website.