Tiny Fern from New Caledonia Holds Record for Largest Genome

Tmesipteris oblanceolata's genome surpasses previous record holder with over 160 gigabase pairs of DNA.

The fern's genome is more than 50 times larger than the human genome.
The DNA from each cell would stretch over 100 meters if unraveled.
T. oblanceolata dethroned the Japanese plant Paris japonica for the largest genome.
Large genomes in plants often result in slower growth and less efficient photosynthesis.
Researchers used flow cytometry to measure the fern's genome size.