国内英语资讯:China Focus: Chinese scientists perform genetic surgery to create first single-chromosome ye_时事

国内英语资讯:China Focus: Chinese scientists perform genetic surgery to create first single-chromosome ye

First, they fused two chromosomes, then joined this product to another chromosome, and repeated the process in successive rounds until there was only one chromosome left, it said.

Despite the genetic clipping and restructuring, yeast with one "super-chromosome" is similar to natural yeast in cell growth and gene expression, Qin said.

"It overturns the traditional view that gene expression is determined by the structure of chromosomes," he said.

By simplifying a complex genome system, Qin suggested that the research provides a new approach to studying the functions of telomeres.

Earlier research found that the length of telomeres is related to early aging, the formation of tumors, and other diseases. Telomeres shorten as a cell splits, but if telomeres cannot shorten anymore, the cell dies.

"A normal yeast genome has 32 telomeres of various lengths. It is too hard to describe each telomere's changes or reactions to drugs. But with only one chromosome and two telomeres, it will be easier to find the patterns," Qin said.

The research may also pave the way for new man-made species in the future. "Yeast has great tolerance in genetic modification, and it is possible to add new chromosome segments to the genome. Researchers can make bolder attempts," he said.

According to the paper, the change to the chromosome number has little impact on the gene activity. However, the single-chromosome strain produces fewer spores, which are reproductive cells for non-flowering plants, bacteria, fungi, and algae, in sexual reproduction.