Paragonimus Westermani: Difference between revisions
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==Genome Structure== | ==Genome Structure== | ||
The genome of P. Westermani is one of the largest among known pathogens with a size of 1.1 Gb. Despite the medical and economic importance of these parasites, no known genome sequence is available for any Paragonimus. A small sequence of about 84% of the total genome was able to constructed from researchers at University of Queensland. From this partial sequence, researchers discovered that Paragonimis’s genome contained around 12,852 protein coding genes, showing high similarity with related trematode species. P. Westermani’s genome has a high proportion (45%) of repeat-derived DNA. This sequence revealed a singular, high-quality circularized 20.6 kb contig. This contig consisted of a region of non-coding repetitive DNA, and three distinct repeat units. This highlights that this region is highly polymorphic and can even be used in single worm isolates. | |||
==Cell Structure, Metabolism and Life Cycle== | ==Cell Structure, Metabolism and Life Cycle== | ||
Revision as of 19:10, 16 November 2022
Classification
Eukaryota; Platyhelminthes; Trematoda; Plagiorchiida; Troglotrematidae
Species
Platyhelminthes Paragonimus Westermani
Description and Significance
Paragonimus Westermani is a part of the Paragonimus species which are hermaphroditic parasitic lung flukes. These leaf-shaped flatworms contain both male and female reproductive organs, structures, and tissues. These flukes are endemic to Southeast Asia, South America, and South Africa. They are rare in North America and Europe. These flukes infect humans who ingest undercooked crabs or crayfish that contain the Paragonimus Westermani parasite. This is significant for the southern portion of countries where crab and crayfish are endemic and have a prominent role in the food web and economy.
Genome Structure
The genome of P. Westermani is one of the largest among known pathogens with a size of 1.1 Gb. Despite the medical and economic importance of these parasites, no known genome sequence is available for any Paragonimus. A small sequence of about 84% of the total genome was able to constructed from researchers at University of Queensland. From this partial sequence, researchers discovered that Paragonimis’s genome contained around 12,852 protein coding genes, showing high similarity with related trematode species. P. Westermani’s genome has a high proportion (45%) of repeat-derived DNA. This sequence revealed a singular, high-quality circularized 20.6 kb contig. This contig consisted of a region of non-coding repetitive DNA, and three distinct repeat units. This highlights that this region is highly polymorphic and can even be used in single worm isolates.
Cell Structure, Metabolism and Life Cycle
Interesting features of cell structure; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.
Ecology and Pathogenesis
Habitat; symbiosis; biogeochemical significance; contributions to environment.
If relevant, how does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
References
Author
Page authored by _____, student of Prof. Bradley Tolar at UNC Wilmington.
