Scientists have unlocked the cane toad's DNA

• Scientists have broken the genetic code of the cane toad.
• The world's first will help scientists understand how the toad spreads, how toxins work and how to control them.
• The researchers have decrypted more than 90% of the genes of the toad.

---

Scientists have unlocked the toad 's DNA, the toxic amphibian threatening many native species of Australia.

The results of scientists from NSW University Sydney, University of Sydney, Deakin University, Portugal and Brazil, were published in the scientific journal GigaScience today.

"Despite its iconic status, our understanding of cane toad genetics has major flaws, and so far no one has assembled the genome," says Peter White, project leader and professor of microbiology and molecular biology. at UNSW.

Ten years ago, researchers from Western Australia attempted to sequence the toad genome, but they encountered obstacles in assembling it and did not complete the project.

The scientists explain:

Sequencing and assembling a genome is a complicated process. The team had to sequence about 360 base pairs.

Keynote speaker Dr. Rich Edwards, lead author of the study, said the team was able to decipher more than 90% of cane toad genes using technology that can sequence very long pieces of DNA. .

Having a cane toad genome project will help fill critical knowledge gaps and speed up toad research. More toads can now be sequenced at a fraction of the cost, and the genome is freely available – no matter who can access it now and conduct additional research.

Cane toads have become widespread since their introduction in Queensland to control the beetle in 1935.

Millions of toads now occupy more than 1.2 million square kilometers. It mortally poisons native species such as the northern quoll, freshwater crocodiles and several species of native lizards and snakes.

NOW WATCH: Videos of briefing

Follow Business Insider Australia on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.