Re-evaluating evidence for giant genomes in amoebae.

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Protistology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• A persistent misconception suggests amoebae possess exceptionally large genomes.
• Traditional genome size estimates were often inaccurate due to methodological limitations.
• Factors like DNA contamination and ribosomal operon amplification skewed early measurements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reassess the evidence regarding amoeba genome sizes.
• To correct the long-standing misconception of giant amoeba genomes.
• To establish accurate genome size expectations for amoebae.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of existing literature and historical data on amoeba genome estimation.
• Application of modern whole-genome sequencing techniques to various amoebozoa.
• Statistical analysis of protein-coding genes from transcriptomic data for *Amoeba proteus*.

Main Results:

• Fully sequenced *amoebozoa* genomes range from 14.4 to 52.37 megabasepairs.
• These sizes are consistent with typical single-celled eukaryotes.
• Statistical analysis suggests *Amoeba proteus* genome size aligns with this standard range, contrary to prior claims.

Conclusions:

• The notion of exceptionally large amoeba genomes is a misconception.
• Modern genomic data indicates amoeba genome sizes are within expected eukaryotic ranges.
• There is no longer scientific basis to support the claim of giant amoeba genomes.