Researchers Release First Draft of the Corn Genome

Researchers from the United States have completed a working draft of the maize genome, an accomplishment that can accelerate efforts to develop better crop varieties. The genome could help scientists develop maize varieties with increased yield and nutritional content, as well as varieties that can withstand drought and sequester more atmospheric carbon from agricultural soils. The draft covers about 90 percent of the corn genome.

"This first draft of the genome sequence is exciting because it's the first comprehensive glimpse at the blueprint for the corn plant," says Washington University scientist and project leader Richard Wilson. "Although it's still missing a few bits, the draft genome sequence is empowering, virtually all the information is there, and while we may make some small modifications to the genetic sequence, we don't expect major changes."

Corn is the second crop after rice to have its genome sequenced. Sequencing the corn genome is an immense task because of its size and the complex genetic arrangements. The corn genome is estimated to contain about 2 billion DNA bases; much bigger compared to the rice genome (consists of 430 million bases). Corn has 50,000 to 60,000 genes, roughly double the number of human genes. Repeated segments and jumping genes or transposons are also prevalent in the genome.

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