UC Santa Cruz researchers set out to map DNA of banana slug

Researchers are hoping to map the DNA of one of the Central Coast’s most iconic species.

Genome experts at UC Santa Cruz have launched a crowd-funding campaign to map the banana slug genome for the first time.

Eight species of the bright yellow slug can be found between Alaska and San Diego, but the genome project will focus specifically on the species that resides in the forests of UCSC and environs.

The gastropod is the inspiration for UCSC’s Sammy the Slug, having beaten out the sea lion as the university’s official mascot.

Researchers are hoping to raise $20,000 for the project, which would include a special academic course focused on the genetic makeup of the banana slug.

The project is whimsical but it’s also serious science.

“This means we can learn a lot about the biology of banana slugs,” said Richard Green, assistant professor in biomolecular engineering at UCSC. “This would be a great opportunity for students to learn the technology of getting DNA, turning it into a sequencing library, and using a computer to assemble the complete genome sequence.”

The banana slug would be the first terrestrial slug to have its genome mapped. The process affords scientists an opportunity to advance understanding of evolution by comparing the creature to closely related species.

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