Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2025

06:55
Author Spotlight: Understanding the Propagation of Closed Circular Extrachromosomal rDNA Containing Element (CERE) in Naegleria gruberi
Published on: June 21, 2024
513
The genome sequence of the ruby bryozoan, Bugula neritina (Linnaeus, 1758)
Rebekka Uhl1, John Bishop1, Helen Jenkins1
1The Marine Biological Association, Plymouth, England, UK.
Wellcome Open Research
|October 17, 2024
Summary
We present the first genome assembly for the ruby bryozoan (Bugula neritina). This 216 Mb assembly includes chromosomal and mitochondrial genomes, providing a valuable resource for marine invertebrate research.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Genomics
- Invertebrate Zoology
Background:
- Bugula neritina, commonly known as the ruby bryozoan, is a marine invertebrate with ecological significance.
- Understanding the genetic makeup of marine invertebrates is crucial for ecological and evolutionary studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To generate a high-quality genome assembly for Bugula neritina.
- To provide a genomic resource for future research on bryozoan biology, evolution, and ecology.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing of Bugula neritina.
- Bioinformatic assembly and scaffolding of the genome.
- Gene annotation using Ensembl.
Main Results:
- A total genome assembly size of 216.00 megabases was achieved.
- The assembly is organized into 9 chromosomal pseudomolecules.
- The mitochondrial genome was assembled to 15.25 kilobases.
- Gene annotation identified 20,264 protein-coding genes.
Conclusions:
- The presented genome assembly represents a significant advancement for Bugula neritina research.
- This genomic resource will facilitate studies on bryozoan development, adaptation, and evolution.
- The data provides a foundation for comparative genomics within the Bryozoa phylum.

