Poplar Genome Decoded

An international consortium, including researchers at the University of British Columbia, has decoded the first complete DNA sequence of a tree, Populus trichocarpa, the Black Cottonwood. Poplar was chosen because of its relatively small genome size. Although considerably smaller than other trees, the poplar genome is four times the size of the first plant sequenced, Arabidopsis thaliana.

Release of the poplar gene sequence will aid biologists in solving numerous basic questions. Many genes found in poplar are significantly related to those found in other plants. Currently, researchers are comparing the poplar sequence with the genomes of rice and Arabidopsis to identify how related genes result in such different forms. Understanding how specific genes work in poplar might help scientist develop trees that are more resistant to pests and diseases, grow faster or produce more valuable wood.

Links:

• JGI Populus US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute (JGI) genome browser and repository for all poplar sequence information


• The Book Opens on the First Tree Genome press release from Genome Canada


• First tree genome unveiled in CBC News


• Poplar DNA code cracked -- a step in combating global warming? press release from Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology (VIB) published by EurekAlert

Posted by Eric La Fountaine at 3:36 PM on September 23, 2004