The DNA sequences of the 11 linear chromosomes of the approximately 2.9 Mbp genome of Encephalitozoon cuniculi, an obligate intracellular parasite of mammals, include approximately 2000 putative protein-coding genes. The compactness of this genome is associated with the length reduction of various genes. Essential functions are dependent on a minimal set of genes. Phylogenetic analysis supports the hypotheses that microsporidia are related to fungi and have retained a mitochondrion-derived organelle, the mitosome.
        
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Vivares C, Gouy M, Thomarat F, Metenier G (2002) Functional and evolutionary analysis of a eukaryotic parasitic genome Curr Opin Microbiol5: 499
Vivares C, Gouy M, Thomarat F, Metenier G (2002) Curr Opin Microbiol5: 499