Scientists Have Sequenced The Genome Of The Elusive Giant Squid
The massive squids of the deep ocean are infrequently seen, not to say researched, despite the fact that sometimes divers encountered them. Correspondingly, the creature remains being shrouded in mystery in spite of technological advances and scientific breakthroughs.
The giant squid was first caught and video-taped in 2006. More than half a decade later, in 2012, it was recorded in its natural habitat, in the depths of the deep blue ocean. Afterwards, in 2019, more footage of the creature was filmed in the ocean’s ‘twilight zone’, more than 2,400 ft. deep, in which virtually no light can reach.
However, not much knowledge is gained upon the creature until now, despite the existence of the mention recordings. Furthermore, the elusive reputation made the massive squid more challenging to studies, to put it mildly.
However, recently, the sequenced genome of the sea monster has been released by a team of researchers, which may direct us to even more questions than answers.
However, sequencing the genome of the squid wasn’t easy at all. All former attempts have been unsuccessful for innumerable reasons, involving problems with the chemicals museums use for conserving specimens, and a clear conflict with the elevated ammonia and polysaccharide levels in tissues and the sequencing reaction.
After that, researchers got another opportunity to crack open the DNA of the giant squid. They were ultimately capable of working through the first obstacles and sequence its overall genome by adopting fresh tissue retrieved by a fishing vessel near New Zealand.
In other words, when it comes to sequencing DNA, not all samples are alike. Getting the chemistry of a sequencing reaction to work just right can be a substantial hurdle, or even a barrier, to sequencing a genome at all.
From the sequenced giant squid genome, scientists hope to learn a lot more about this poorly-understood sea creature.
“These new results may unlock several pending evolutionary questions regarding this mantled species,” says Rute da Fonseca.
Having this sequenced genetic code allows the giant squid to be compared to other sequenced, smaller relatives. From these comparisons, scientists hope to understand more about how giant squids achieve their massive size, how fast they can grow, and how old they may become.
The giant squid was first caught and video-taped in 2006. More than half a decade later, in 2012, it was recorded in its natural habitat, in the depths of the deep blue ocean. Afterwards, in 2019, more footage of the creature was filmed in the ocean’s ‘twilight zone’, more than 2,400 ft. deep, in which virtually no light can reach.
However, not much knowledge is gained upon the creature until now, despite the existence of the mention recordings. Furthermore, the elusive reputation made the massive squid more challenging to studies, to put it mildly.
Source: Getty Images
However, recently, the sequenced genome of the sea monster has been released by a team of researchers, which may direct us to even more questions than answers.
However, sequencing the genome of the squid wasn’t easy at all. All former attempts have been unsuccessful for innumerable reasons, involving problems with the chemicals museums use for conserving specimens, and a clear conflict with the elevated ammonia and polysaccharide levels in tissues and the sequencing reaction.
After that, researchers got another opportunity to crack open the DNA of the giant squid. They were ultimately capable of working through the first obstacles and sequence its overall genome by adopting fresh tissue retrieved by a fishing vessel near New Zealand.
Source: Getty Images
In other words, when it comes to sequencing DNA, not all samples are alike. Getting the chemistry of a sequencing reaction to work just right can be a substantial hurdle, or even a barrier, to sequencing a genome at all.
From the sequenced giant squid genome, scientists hope to learn a lot more about this poorly-understood sea creature.
“These new results may unlock several pending evolutionary questions regarding this mantled species,” says Rute da Fonseca.
Having this sequenced genetic code allows the giant squid to be compared to other sequenced, smaller relatives. From these comparisons, scientists hope to understand more about how giant squids achieve their massive size, how fast they can grow, and how old they may become.
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