Potato Genomic Sequence Completed
July 15, 2011| |
The genetic sequence of potato has just been completed by a global team of 26 research institutions comprising the Potato Genome Sequencing Consortium. The genomic sequence is published in the journal Nature and features the sequence of potato variety called DM, grown in South America and has a diploid genome (2 copies of every gene). A substantial section of the heterozygous diploid variety RH was also substantially sequenced to provide some information of the potato biodiversity.
The potato genome comprises more than 39,000 protein-coding genes, and it is a highly heterozygous autotetraploid meaning there are four copies of every chromosome, and often considerable variation among the corresponding four copies of each gene.
More importantly, the findings reveal the identification of more than 800 disease-resistance genes, each of which has potential for use in fighting devastating diseases such as the potato cyst nematode and the potato blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans, famous for causing the Irish potato famine of the 1840s. Singling out these genes will make it easier to develop new varieties of potato.
The news can be seen at http://www.nature.com/news/2011/110710/full/news.2011.407.html
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