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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:
Monocot
Estimated genome size:
Size:
0.5 m in height
Distribution:
The shores of the Western and Eastern Cape Provinces of South Africa.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
227.85 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
13.26 kilobases
Assembly N50:
8 949.62 kilobases
Contig number:
3 107
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
10.54 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.5% [S: 11.3%, D: 88.0%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Thinopyrum distichum
Coastal Wheatgrass
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Importance:
It is the sole species of the genus that occurs in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a wild relative of bread wheat and is a halophyte. If the genes conferring its ability to tolerate high levels of soil salinity can be transferred to commercial wheat, it has the potential to expand wheat production and increase food security.
Date Published:
2025-08-27
Photo credit:
© D. Richardson
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