Gene density

In genetics, the gene density of an organism's genome is the ratio of the number of genes per number of base pairs, usually written in terms of a million base pairs, or megabase (Mb). The human genome has a gene density of 11-15 genes/Mb, while the genome of the C. elegans roundworm is estimated to have 200.[1]

Seemingly simple organisms, such as bacteria and amoebas, have a much higher gene density than humans. Bacterial DNA has a gene density on the order of 500-1000 genes/Mb. This is due several factors, including that the fact that bacterial DNA has no introns. There are also fewer codons in bacterial genes.[2]

See also
  • C-value enigma

References
  1. "Science Reference: Gene". Science Daily. Retrieved 2013-10-15.
  2. Sands, Jeff (October 22). "Genomes of Bacteria". Lehigh University. Retrieved 2013-10-15. Check date values in: |date= (help)
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