Genome
The D. discoideum genome sequencing project was completed and published in 2005 by an international collaboration of institutes. This was the first free-living protozoan genome to be fully sequenced. D. discoideum consists of a 34Mb haploid genome with a base composition of 77% and contains six chromosomes that encode approximately 12,500 proteins. Sequencing of the D. discoideum genome provides a more intricate study of its cellular and developmental biology.
Tandem repeats of trinucleotides are very abundant in this genome; one class of the genome is clustered leading researchers to believe it serves as centromeres. The repeats correspond to repeated sequences of amino acids and are thought to be expanded by nucleotide expansion. Expansion of trinucleotide repeats also occurs in humans, generally leading to many diseases. Learning how D. discoideum cells endure these amino acid repeats may provide insight to allow humans to tolerate them.
Every genome that is sequenced plays an important role in identifying genes that have been gained or lost over time. Comparative genomic studies allows for comparison of eukaryotic genomes. A phylogeny based on the proteome showed that the amoebozoa deviated from the animal-fungal lineage after the plant-animal split. The D. discoideum genome is noteworthy because its many encoded proteins are commonly found in fungi, plants, and animals.
Read more about this topic: Dictyostelium Discoideum