Unexpected discovery in cassava genome sheds light on epigenetic clues

Science often throws us a curveball, and it came from cassava this time. Researchers have uncovered a massive, previously unknown chunk of DNA in a farmer-preferred cassava landrace, shedding new light on the crop’s genetic complexity.

While digging into the genome of TMEB117, researchers stumbled upon a previously uncharted 9.7 Mb chunk of DNA sitting quietly on chromosome 12. This huge insertion does not exist in the current cassava reference genomes. It is like finding a hidden attic in a house you have lived in for years.

So, what is in this genetic attic?

It is packed with transposable elements, those nomadic pieces of DNA that copy and paste themselves around the genome. One group, the MUDR-Mutator superfamily, was especially overrepresented by the rowdy guests of the genomic party.

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