It is a curious finding that, on a numerical basis, humans appear genetically less complex than a chocolate biscuit. Recent research has advanced our understanding of the genetic makeup of *Theobroma cacao*, the plant that produces chocolate and cocoa. A comprehensive DNA sequencing project, funded by Mars, has just been completed, revealing that cacao has approximately **35,000 genes**, while humans have around **30,000**. This project not only aims to enhance the quality and yield of cacao but also to support over six million farmers in tropical regions by developing disease-resistant trees and improving fruit quality[1][3].
Cacao now joins an extensive list of over **180 organisms** whose complete genomes have been sequenced, including important crops like rice and wheat, as well as various animals and microbes. This remarkable achievement in genomics underscores the rapid progress made in this field over the last two decades. The journey began with the isolation of DNA in 1944 and has evolved through significant milestones such as the discovery of its structure by Crick and Watson in 1953, the first complete sequencing of a living organism (a bacterium) in 1995, and the completion of the human genome in 2000[2][4].
Recent advancements have further expanded our knowledge of cacao genetics. A study published in November 2023 constructed a **pangenome** for *Theobroma cacao*, incorporating data from **216 accessions** to capture genetic diversity across different cacao populations. This work identified **30,489 protein-coding genes**, including many not previously cataloged, which can inform breeding strategies aimed at enhancing desirable traits such as flavor and disease resistance[3][4]. Additionally, researchers have sequenced wild cacao genomes from the Amazon basin, providing insights into the genetic diversity that can be leveraged for conservation and breeding purposes[5].
The implications of these genomic studies are profound. They not only challenge our perceptions of complexity among life forms but also hold promise for improving agricultural practices and supporting smallholder farmers in developing nations. As genomic science continues to evolve, it opens new avenues for understanding both plant and animal biology, including human health and disease resistance[1][3][5].
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[1] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-53010-6
[2] https://otagomuseum.nz/blog/the-secret-of-delicious-chocolate-its-written-in-the-genes/
[3] https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.03.565324v1.full
[4] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41597-024-03215-1
[5] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7202020/
2 comments
From Wikipedia: “DNA was first isolated by the Swiss physician Friedrich Miescher who, in 1869, discovered a microscopic substance in the pus of discarded surgical bandages.”
For more information see:
http://www.springerlink.com/content/8uuk483j11t513t6/
I doubt the number of chromosomes match, a better comparison would be a cultivated tobacco.