News– The Darwin Tree of Life (DToL) project is nearing the completion of its first phase.
About Darwin Tree of Life (DTOL)
- It is a large-scale genome sequencing project that aims to decode the complete genetic information of around 70,000 species of eukaryotic organisms found in Britain and Ireland.
- These eukaryotic species include: Animals, Plants, Fungi, Protists
| Eukaryotes are organisms made up of complex cells that contain a well-defined nucleus and other membrane-bound structures (organelles). This makes them more advanced than prokaryotes like bacteria and archaea, which lack a nucleus. |
Earth BioGenome Project (EBP)
The DToL project is part of the broader Earth BioGenome Project (EBP), a global scientific effort with the following key features:
- Objective: To sequence, catalogue, and study the genomes of all known eukaryotic species on Earth.
- Timeline: 10 years
- Implementation: Through a global network of researchers, scientific institutions, and partner projects.
Significance of the DToL Project
- Advances scientific understanding of biodiversity, evolutionary relationships, and species classification.
- Supports conservation efforts by generating genomic data crucial for protecting endangered species and ecosystems.
- Drives innovation in fields like medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology by uncovering beneficial genes and biological traits present in nature.
