Articles tagged with Plant Genomes
A new type of plant, 'Shetland's monkeyflower', has been discovered in the Shetland Isles, resulting from the doubling of its chromosomes. The plant, a descendant of a non-native species, produces larger flowers and changes in leaf size and flowering time.
Gene silencing is crucial for plant development and growth, and a recent study has shed light on its mechanisms. The researchers discovered that Polycomb-group proteins play a key role in this process, using histone modifications to silence genes.
The study found that the red vizcacha rat's genome grew quickly due to the expansion of highly repetitive elements, rather than whole genome duplication. This mechanism is also thought to contribute to 'genomic baggage' in humans, influencing disease susceptibility.
The study reveals genes controlling key traits in wheat domestication and identifies novel variation to improve grain quality and drought tolerance. Researchers have created a 'time tunnel' to examine wheat from its wild origins, enabling the identification of genes involved in domestication.
Katayoon Dehesh, a UC Riverside molecular biochemist, has been elected to the Leopoldina, the German National Academy of Sciences. Her research focuses on deciphering the molecular and biochemical regulatory mechanisms underlying stress-induced responses in plants.
The U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute has released 1,003 phylogenetically diverse bacterial and archaeal reference genomes, which will aid in understanding the functions of genes, enzymes, and metabolic pathways with wide applications in bioenergy, biomedicine, agriculture, and environmental sciences.
Researchers have mapped the genome of C. zofingiensis, a green alga that produces astaxanthin, an antioxidant with potential health benefits. The study reveals critical genes and enzymes for producing astaxanthin, which could lead to advances in biofuels and medicine.
A new mutation in the Lotus japonicus plant has been identified, resulting in leaves with white spots. The mutation is linked to a shortage of chloroplast proteins, which are crucial for plant growth, and may hold clues for improving ornamental plants.
The tea tree genome contains diverse genes that produce antioxidants and caffeine, contributing to its rich flavors. Researchers have successfully sequenced the genome, which is four times larger than the coffee plant genome and contains multiple copies of disease-resistant genes.
A new high-quality barley genome sequence has been created, allowing for detailed analysis of agronomically important gene families. This breakthrough could significantly accelerate the development of new varieties resistant to pathogens and climate fluctuations.
A team of researchers has completed the sequencing of barley's complete genome, providing new insights into gene families key to the malting process. The breakthrough could aid in breeding and optimizing genetic diversity in crops like rice and wheat.
A gene atlas for the ice plant will aid in finding ways to make bioenergy feedstocks more resilient to salinity and drought. The project aims to understand how environmental stress controls the expression of CAM photosynthesis, a water-conserving pathway that helps plants survive in arid climates.
Scientists have created the most accurate navigation system for the bread wheat genome, allowing researchers to analyze its genes more easily than ever before. The system includes detailed annotation of over 100,000 wheat genes, revealing previously hidden genes and improving crop yields.
Vanderbilt University scientists developed a new approach to identify gene networks responsible for producing biologically active compounds in plants. The method uses co-expression analysis of over 22,000 gene expression studies and identifies dozens of pathways producing small metabolites, including previously identified ones.
Researchers have unlocked genetic information about lettuce and related plants, releasing the first comprehensive genome assembly for lettuce and the Compositae family. The study found that triplicate genes may explain the success of this huge plant family.
A team of scientists has identified a previously unknown mechanism that keeps transposable elements from causing harm by detaining them at the cell membrane. This discovery opens up new avenues for research on similar mechanisms in other organisms.
The study sequenced 10 novel Aspergillus species, more than doubling the number of sequenced species, revealing greater genomic and functional diversity. This increased understanding will aid in developing enzymes for biofuels, paper, textiles, food, feed, and pharmaceuticals.
The Jackson Laboratory is developing a high-throughput approach to improve the efficiency of targeted nuclease-mediated HDR for genome editing. The goal is to significantly enhance the reliability and accuracy of CRISPR-Cas9 technology, enabling faster and more cost-effective therapeutic delivery.
Researchers at KAUST have sequenced quinoa's genome, providing insights into its traits and growth mechanisms. The high-quality sequence is expected to aid in breeding quinoa plants with desirable characteristics, such as seed taste and plant stability.
A team of CU scientists sequenced the genome of the Australian pitcher plant, discovering genetic changes associated with its carnivorous traits. The study found similarities in digestive enzymes across different species, supporting convergent evolution theory.
Researchers at ORNL released the largest-ever Populus SNP dataset, comprising over 28 million SNPs, to study genetic variations in poplar trees. The dataset aims to develop plant materials tailored to work with microbes to yield targeted products for biofuels, materials, and chemicals.
The release of the Arabica coffee genome sequence by UC Davis holds promise for developing disease-resistant varieties and understanding flavor profiles. The sequencing was conducted through a collaboration between researchers and farmer Jay Ruskey, who is growing commercial coffee plants in California's Central Coast region.
A recent study found that genes controlling sugar content and acid metabolism played a key role in the domestication of jujube, a popular Asian fruit tree. The research reveals how humans selected plants with desirable traits to create the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
The whitefly's genome has expanded families of detoxification genes and acquired 142 genes from bacteria or fungi that enable it to feed on diverse plants and evolve resistance to insecticides. This discovery will aid in the development of new control strategies using RNA interference to combat this global pest.
The study identified a suite of genes in the Asian long-horned beetle that aid digestion of woody plant material and detoxify plant chemicals. This research has established a genomic basis for the invasiveness of the species, providing potential tools for management of invasive wood-boring pests.
The Japanese morning glory genome has been fully decoded, revealing genes that determine flower and leaf shapes, as well as flower colors and patterns. The research also identified a gene involved in plant hormone biosynthesis disrupted by transposons in mutants.
Researchers have decoded the genome of Chinese licorice, a plant crucial in traditional Chinese medicine and natural sweetener. The study reveals the plant's genetic blueprint, which may facilitate the creation of sustainably bred strains with high glycyrrhizin content.
The DOE JGI has selected 37 projects for its 2017 Community Science Program, focusing on sustainable biofuels, plant microbiomes, and biogeochemistry. Researchers will utilize the DOE's sequencing capabilities to study key areas such as reference genomes for plants relevant to bioenergy production.
HybPiper is a streamlined pipeline for processing target-enrichment data, extracting coding and intronic regions, and detecting duplicate gene copies. The tool allows researchers to quickly analyze large amounts of DNA sequencing data, facilitating accurate species relationships.
Researchers discovered that parasitic plants, such as broomrapes, can transfer genes from their host plants, making them more invasive and resistant. This horizontal gene transfer may lead to the development of resistant host plants to combat crop loss caused by these weeds.
Researchers found misregulated imprinting at play in hybrid seeds from South American wild tomato species, affecting core gene regulation and contributing to seed failure. Genome-wide shifts occurred that favored maternal expression, suggesting a key role for epigenetic genomic imprinting in explaining differences in seed viability.
Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute developed a new method for transforming tomatoes by adding plant hormone auxin to the medium, reducing the time required from 17 weeks to just 11 weeks. This breakthrough enables scientists to speed up the breeding of more productive crops, ultimately improving food security and sustainability.
Recent studies on plant polyploidy have shed light on its significance in shaping plant diversity and ecology. The special issue in American Journal of Botany highlights the latest developments and research in the field, including the origins of polyploidy, evolutionary consequences, and impacts on plant ecology.
A team of researchers has successfully sequenced the genome of 6,000-year-old Chalcolithic barley grains, revealing genetic similarities with present-day barley grown in the Southern Levant. The study provides new insights into the origins of barley domestication and suggests that it occurred in the Upper Jordan Valley.
The study reveals that the petunia has a complicated genetic history, having undergone one whole genome triplication shared with all the Solanaceae family. The released parental petunia genomes will be a valuable resource for scientists studying symbiosis, self-fertilization and circadian rhythms.
The American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) has selected a group of exceptional undergraduate researchers to participate in its Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program. These talented students will work under the guidance of renowned mentors to explore various aspects of plant biology, including gene regulation, pla...
Researchers discovered Venus flytraps exploit common plant defense systems to capture insects, utilizing touch-sensitive trigger hairs and glands that promote insect digestion. The traps' gene expression patterns resemble those of roots, suggesting a nutrient uptake mechanism.
A team of researchers has sequenced the cassava genome to identify genetic diversity and improve breeding strategies. The study reveals that past breeding programs have reduced genetic diversity in Africa, affecting crop yields.
Scientists at Kyoto University have sequenced the buckwheat genome, identifying genes that could improve cultivation and taste. The team found genes related to 'mochi-ness', which give foods a soft, chewy texture, and those that synthesize proanthocyanidins, making buckwheat darker in color.
An Ibero-American team has sequenced the Mesoamerican common bean genome, which will aid in improving production and conserving genetic varieties. The discovery has significant implications for agriculture, as it will help identify genes involved in disease resistance, drought tolerance, and seed quality.
A fully sequenced seagrass genome reveals insights into marine ecosystem adaptation to climate warming and salt tolerance. The study provides a valuable resource for advancing research on carbon sequestration and plant breeding.
Scientists discovered that a wild plant from Bolivia is almost identical to the cultivated peanut species, dating back over 10,000 years. The hybridization of two wild species led to the formation of today's crop plant, with the new genome sequences providing access to 96% of all peanut genes.
Researchers have unveiled the genome of eelgrass, a marine plant that once thrived on land. The study reveals that the plant has lost essential genes required for survival out of water, highlighting its unique evolutionary path.
Seagrasses are unique flowering plants adapted to marine life, providing insights into climate warming and carbon burial. The Zostera marina genome reveals key adaptations, including rearranged metabolic pathways and different signalling mechanisms.
Researchers sequenced a seagrass genome, revealing genes that enable plants to adapt to saline environments. The study provides insights into salt tolerance and could inform crop breeding to improve resilience in the face of climate change.
A new study has demonstrated a molecular method that reduces the wait time to confirm transgenic work from weeks to just a few days. Digital drop PCR (ddPCR) was found to be reliable, fast and high throughput, making it a promising alternative to traditional methods.
A new study has identified 138 genes essential for plant-fungal symbiosis, which could lead to the development of crop varieties that thrive without fertilizers. This discovery was made possible by comparing genome sequences of plants with and without this symbiotic relationship.
Researchers sequenced the entire genome of Oropetium thomaeum, a grass species that can regrow after drought. The study provides insights into its drought tolerance mechanisms and could lead to improved crop yields in water-scarce conditions.
A team led by Dmitry Korkin will analyze vast genomic data to find common genetic elements, known as LIMEs, that have remained unchanged over millions of years. These sequences are likely to perform vital functions in cells and provide insight into the roles they play.
A $6.5 million USDA grant is supporting genomic-assisted breeding efforts for cucurbits, aiming to reduce disease problems in squash and melons. Researchers will use genomics techniques to identify genetic markers for disease resistance, enabling breeders to develop more robust crop varieties.
A new library construction method allows simultaneous generation of up to 12 size-selected long mate pair libraries with reduced DNA input, time, and cost. This approach improves the likelihood of achieving high-quality genome assemblies, particularly for complex genomes.
Mint research aims to unlock their chemical diversity to develop new medicines, fragrances and synthetic molecules. The study will map the mint genome to identify key genes driving their unique properties.
A study on butterfly-coevolution with cabbage plants has provided new insights into the genetic basis of this ancient dynamic. Over 80 million years, advances in plant defense led to counter-tactics from butterflies, driving rapid species diversification.
Researchers at Indiana University discovered that the parasitic plant Viscum scurruloideum lacks genes involved in energy production, a phenomenon not seen before in complex organisms. The plant's ability to survive without these genes is likely related to its parasitic lifestyle.
A groundbreaking achievement has deciphered the genetic makeup of Upland cotton, a crucial step toward developing superior lines with advanced fiber elongation and strength. The research also sheds light on polyploidy genetics and its significance in crop plants.
Researchers aim to create the first complete genome sequence for dogwoods, enabling plant breeders to develop new varieties with improved traits. Citizen scientists will collect data on flowering patterns, flower color, and susceptibility to diseases.
Researchers found that genetic mutations selectively shut down genes responsible for red pigments, leading to variations in berry color. This process can result in clonal diversity and impact other vegetatively propagated plants.
Researchers developed a strategy to identify and genotype SNPs in complex cotton genomes using genotyping-by-sequencing. The approach employs Stacks software to enrich for orthologous DNA fragments, allowing for detection of polymorphisms between individuals.
Researchers use RNA interference to target essential genes in the beetle, resulting in a 100% mortality rate after five days of feeding. This technology offers precise protection without chemicals and foreign proteins production, making it a promising strategy for pest control.
An international team analyzed 49 fungal genomes, revealing that key genome adaptation enabling symbiosis evolved independently in numerous lines of fungi. The study provides crucial information on how symbiosis between fungi and trees evolved, enabling scientists to improve prediction of reaction to environmental modifications.