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Credit: CC0 Public Domain
Researchers at the University of Kent have made considerable progress in understanding the genomes – and therefore the biology – of hawks.
A study conducted by a team led by Professor Darren Griffin of the University's School of Biosciences created chromosome-level assemblages and compared three iconic species, the Peregrine, Saker and Gyr hawks.
Many hawks are classified as endangered and are remarkable for their incredible sight, speed of acceleration and hunting ability. The study of their genomes helps to understand a wide range of aspects of hawk biology, including morphology, ecology and physiology, while being essential to conservation efforts.
In addition, the sequencing of the complete genome makes it possible to understand the relationship between the genome and the physical characteristics, for example growth, development, maintenance and disease resistance.
The researchers focused specifically on the general organization of the genome, expressed in the form of a chromosome arrangement. The ultimate goal of any genome sequencing effort is to assign all or most genes to the appropriate chromosomes, each gene or marker in sequence, creating a genomic map.
Making such a map of the genome in relation to chromosomes (a "chromosome-level assembly") can help genomic selection in breeding regimes and also allow cross-species comparisons. Despite this, many animals – although their genome is sequenced – did not have until recently a genome set at the chromosome level, and this was also applied to hawks.
The approach was developed in Kent in collaboration with the Royal Veterinary College of the University of London. The document Genomic assembly at the chromosome level and comparative genomics between three falcon species reveals a pattern of genome organization that is not typical of birds (Joseph S., O. Connor RE, Al-Mutery A., Watson M., Larkin DM and Griffin, DK) are published in the journal The diversity.
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More information:
Sunitha Joseph et al, Genome assembly at the chromosome level and comparative genomics between three falcon species reveal an unusual pattern of genome organization, The diversity (2018). DOI: 10.3390 / d10040113
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