Trichoplax Genome Consortium A Case for Sequencing the Trichoplax Genome

§ We have addressed the concern of the panel over whether Trichoplax should be the first lower metazoan sequenced by comparing the case for Trichoplax with that of traditional lower metazoan model organisms. § We have also reworked our discussion of the expected utility of the Trichoplax genome to emphasize those points of immediate utility. § A reevaluation of the existing data on the phylogenetic position of the Trichoplax has been added to a new section called “The Phylogenetic Position of Trichoplax and the Lower Metazoan Alternatives”. § We include our confirmation of the original estimates of the size of the Trichoplax genome to be approximately 50 Mb, the smallest known animal genome. § Finally, we have added our progress in developing this system in the past 3 months, in particular the availability of new clones, the observation of cleaving embryos, and the preparation of a fosmid library.