The earth Biogenome Project
The Earth Biogenome project is an initiative aims to sequence , catalog and
characterize the genome of whole eukaryotic organisms present on Earth.There
are arround 10 to 15 million of eukaryotic species are present of which
2.3 million eukaryotic species are known, so far we have sequenced the
genome of less than 15000 species(among them most are microbes). Earth Biogenome
Project aims to sequence genome of nearly all eukaryotic species from tiny house
fly to the giant elephant.
Why Now?
Due to advancement in Biotechnology and Genomics, Genome sequencing technologies
automation and artificial intelligence it is possible to sequence such vast
number of species.
Goals of the Earth Biogenome Project.
1. Benifiting human Welfare.
Discover new medicinal resources for human health.
Enhance control of pandemics.
Identify new genetic variation for improving agriculture (e.g., yields, disease resistance)
Discover novel biomaterials, new energy sources, and biochemical.
Improve environmental quality (soil, air, and water).
2. Protecting Biodiversity
Determine the role of climate change on biodiversity.
Clarify how human activities (pollution, habitat encroachment, etc.) and invasive species affect biodiversity.
Develop evidence-based conservation plans for rare and endangered species.
Create genomic resources to restore damaged or depleted ecosystems.
3. Understanding Ecosystems
Generate new knowledge ecosystem composition and functions.
Discover new species (80–90% of eukaryote biodiversity).
Project cost and duration
Currently average vertebrate size genome sequencing costs $1000.
For the earth biogenome project it’s estimated to take 10 years,
cost $4.7 billion, and require more than 200 petabytes of digital
storage space.
If successful, the EBP will completely transform our scientific understanding of life on earth and provide new resources to cope with the rapid loss of biodiversity and habitat changes that are primarily due to human activities and climate change
