The percentage of essential genes in a genome, as measured in the laboratory, is probably an underestimate because

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All the provided reasons contribute to the underestimation of the percentage of essential genes in a genome when measured in laboratory conditions. Laboratory conditions often do not replicate the full range of environmental stresses or conditions an organism might encounter in the wild, leading to an underestimation of genes that are only essential under specific or poor conditions. Additionally, the functions of many genes are still not fully understood, and some genes are expressed at low levels, making them difficult to detect, all of which can contribute to an underestimation of essential genes.

The Percentage of Essential Genes in a Genome, as Measured