Biotech Updates

Scientists Successful in Deciphering Jatropha Genome

May 29, 2009

California-based Synthetic Genomics Inc. (SGI) and Asiatic Centre for Genome Technology (ACGT) based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia announced that they have completed the first draft of the genome of jatropha (Jatropha curcas), an important biofuel crop. Researchers at SGI and ACGT used both the traditional Sanger sequencing and next generation sequencing to crack the crop's genome.

According to the results, the genome is around 400 million basepairs long, similar to the size of the rice genome. The teams are now working on annotating the genome to pinpoint particular genes of interest and to discover genetic variations for use in marker assisted breeding. The teams are also applying traditional breeding tools, as well as modern plant molecular biology tools, to improve plant yield, oil quality, fertilizer requirements and to enhance stress and disease tolerance.

For more information, visit http://www.syntheticgenomics.com/press/2009-05-20.htm