Neurospora crassa

Overview

In 2003, Galagan and colleagues reported a draft genome of about 40 megabases with roughly 10,000 predicted protein-coding genes. These figures come from that draft and are historical measurements, not fixed values.

Blue light controls the fungus's development, its pigmentation and the daily rhythm of its asexual spore production. Genome analysis found previously uncharacterized sequences that resemble light-sensing genes. It also found predicted secondary-metabolite genes.

In a companion study, Selker and colleagues found that only about 2–3% of cytosines were methylated, without the strong CpG preference seen in mammals. Almost all of the methylated fraction consisted of transposon remnants altered by repeat-induced point mutation, which is a molecular record of genome defence.

Origins & earliest records

The supplied sources do not verify its first description or its wild range.

Evidence & interpretation

Two 2003 Nature papers. One analysed the draft genome. The other isolated methylated DNA by methyl-binding-domain chromatography and sequenced it.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

1. 01

   The genome sequence of the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa

   Galagan et al. · 2003

   Selected bibliography; draft genome analysis.

2. 02

   The methylated component of the Neurospora crassa genome

   Selker et al. · 2003

   Selected bibliography; DNA methylation study.

Family, evolution & connections

Taxonomic classification

A hierarchy of classified groups, not a chain of direct ancestors.

Source note: Ranked groups in the NCBI Taxonomy snapshot accessed 7 October 2026; these are not identified direct ancestors. NCBI provides a database classification rather than an independent nomenclatural authority.

1. domainEukaryota
2. kingdomFungi
3. phylumAscomycota
4. classSordariomycetes
5. orderSordariales
6. familySordariaceae
7. genusNeurospora
8. speciesNeurospora crassa

References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

1. Peer-reviewed articleThe genome sequence of the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassaResearch access: 2026-10-06
2. Peer-reviewed articleThe methylated component of the Neurospora crassa genomeResearch access: 2026-10-06
3. Scientific classification referenceNCBI Taxonomy: Neurospora crassaResearch access: 2026-10-07

Image credits

A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.