Gene map shows panda’s thorny path to vegan lifestyle
Published 14 December, 2009, 10:44
The iconic bamboo-eating giant panda is apparently unable to digest plant food on its own. A complete genome sequence of the Chinese bear found no genes producing the enzyme needed to break down cellulose.
The gene map of a three-year-old female panda called Jing Jing was done at the Beijing Genomics Institute in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, reports Nature. The bear was chosen after serving as the mascot of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The complete genome has about 21,000 genes packed into 21 pairs of chromosomes. Among other animals whose genes have been sequenced, the closest to the panda is the dog, with about 80% similarity.
Interestingly, researchers found no recognizable genes for cellulases, enzymes needed to digest plant food, in the panda’s genome. “The panda's bamboo diet may be dictated by its gut bacteria rather than by its own genetic composition,” commented Wang Jun, who led the sequencing project.
At the same time, the T1R1 gene, which is crucial for tasting meat flavor, is inactive in panda due to two mutations, the study shows. This may explain its dietary preferences.
The panda’s genome also shows fewer changes over time than that of, say human or dog, suggesting that the bear has been evolving at a slower pace. It also has a high degree of genetic diversity, giving hope for the panda’s survival despite its small population.
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