Decrypted genome of giant pandas

An international team of scientists has completed decoding the genome of giant pandas, said agency Xinhua. Researchers hope that this information will help them save endangered species.

The size of the genome of giant pandas compare with the human genome and contains about three billion pairs of nucleotides. Preliminary analysis of DNA sequences pandas showed that these animals may be a subspecies of brown bear. Researchers hope that further analysis of the genome will enable them to understand why pandas have so few offspring.

In addition, using the obtained genetic data, researchers expect to explain some features panda, for example, why such large animals such tiny young are born (their weight is usually less than 200 grams). Another puzzle, which scientists plan to find an answer by using DNA - why pandas eat bamboo, although their digestive system is more suitable for meat diets.

The project on decipherable genome of giant pandas was launched in March 2008. It involved experts from China, UK, USA and Canada, writes newspaper The Times. As a "model" was chosen three-year panda Jing Jing (Jing Jing), reported The Daily Telegraph. It is from her blood was identified DNA sequence which was decrypted researchers.

Giant panda is called living fossils. According to some reports, the ancestors of these animals lived in China for about eight million years ago. Currently, the Celestial home to about 1590 panda.