American scientists create smallest viable genome in nature

Q.  Smallest viable genome with just enough genes for an organism to function and replace on its own has been identified. How many genes does this synthetic genome of bacteria carry?
- Published on 25 Mar 16

a. 457
b. 468
c. 490
d. 473

ANSWER: 473
 
American scientists have created the smallest viable genome existing in nature with adequate essential genes for organisms to function and reproduce on their own. Synthetic genome of this bacteria called JCVI-syn3.0, only carries 473 genes, compared to about 20,000 for a human being. Leader researcher Craig Venter and Clyde Hutchinson and colleagues have not determined the function of a third of the total genes amounting to 149.

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