Biotech Updates

UK Scientists Draft the Wheat Genome Sequence

September 9, 2010

A team of UK scientist has finally released to the public the first draft of the wheat genome sequence comprised of five read-throughs of the Chinese spring wheat that will provide access to 95% of all wheat genes. This team is composed of Prof. Neil Hall and Dr. Anthony Hall at the University of Liverpool, Prof. Keith Edwards and Dr. Gary Barker at the University of Bristol and Prof. Mike Bevan at the John Innes Centre, with funding coming from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

"The wheat genome is five times larger than the human genome and presents a huge challenge for scientists. The genome sequences are an important tool for researchers and for plant breeders and by making the data publicly available we are ensuring this publicly funded research has the widest possible impact," said Prof. Edwards.

The sequence data will be further enhanced to provide breeders with the complete genome sequence of Chinese spring wheat.

Read the rest of the story at http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/media/releases/2010/100827-pr-uk-researchers-draft-wheat-genome.aspx. Download the wheat genomic sequence draft at http://www.cerealsdb.uk.net/.