What extreme physiologies does the painted turtle genome encode?
The western painted turtle genome informs evolution of extreme anoxia and freeze tolerance in a slowly evolving vertebrate lineage.
Source
The western painted turtle genome, a model for the evolution of extreme physiological adaptations in a slowly evolving lineage
What they did
Sequenced/analyzed Chrysemys picta genome in the context of anoxia and freeze-survival physiology.
What they found
Genome resources for one of the most anoxia-tolerant tetrapods, capable of freezing nearly solid then thawing with little damage; molecular adaptations for winter survival.
The limits
What it doesn't show
Does not by itself map every protective pathway experimentally.
Key terms
- Anoxia tolerance
- Surviving without oxygen.
- Freeze tolerance
- Surviving extracellular freezing then thawing.
- Western painted turtle
- Chrysemys picta model for extreme physiology.
- Overwintering
- Surviving winter in nests/habitats with harsh conditions.
Flashcards
Want these cards to stick?
Save the deck to NoteFren and study it with spaced repetition.
Quiz yourself
Extreme traits
Common questions
Extreme traits?
Anoxia and freeze tolerance.
Freeze outcome?
Nearly solid freeze, thaw, survive.
Why genome?
Genetic basis of adaptations.
Seasonal context?
Winter hatchling survival.
More on Metabolism