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Group:
Reptile
Estimated genome size:
10 - 20 cm (total body length)
Size:
10 - 20 cm (total body length)
Distribution:
Endemic to the Republic of South Africa, occurring in Little Namaqualand from Port Nolloth to Clanwilliam.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
48.66 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
5.93 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
1.56 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.8% [S: 96.9%, D: 2.0%]
Importance:
It serves as an important model species for studying specific stages of limb development within the genus Scelotes, representing an intermediate limb development stage (forelimb digits = 0; hindlimb digits = 2), and for investigating the genomic evolution of vertebrates. It has a restricted distribution and occurs in distinct habitats and regions, making it an excellent model species for biogeographic and molecular ecology studies.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Dr. Zhongning Zhao
University of Free State
Group:
Eudicot
Estimated genome size:
Size:
Ranges from small shrubs (3-5m) to tall trees (18-25m) depending on the ecosystem
Distribution:
Colophospermum mopane is widely distributed across southern Africa, extending from the northern parts of South Africa into Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, Namibia and Angola.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
153.41 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
5.72 kilobases
Assembly N50:
34 688.87 kilobases
Contig number:
6 164
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
0.81 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.2% [S: 84.3%, D: 14.9%]
BUSCO database:
eukaryota
Colophospermum mopane
Mopane
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Importance:
Sequencing its genome provides a foundation for studying population genetic diversity and guiding conservation. It also enables genome annotation and analysis of molecular pathways involved in leaf secondary metabolism, supporting better understanding of Mopane tree and caterpillar ecology.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Prof. Eshchar Mizrachi
University of Pretoria
Date Published:
2025-11-28
Photo credit:
© SAplants
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