Scientists have sequenced genome of birch tree, which will help to reveal new insights of plant genomics and forestry. The birch sequence contains 450 base pairs in its genome. The main aim of the researchers was to empathize its genetic traits, disease resistance genes and its mode of growth. This research was carried out by the scientists of Queen Mary, University of London and the lead researcher being Dr Richard Buggs from School of Biological and Chemical Sciences.
Birch tree is on the IUCN 2011 Red List of Threatened Species and is a deciduous hardwood tree. It has got over 60 species around the world. These birch trees have got great commercial importance.
Dr Richard Buggs chose ’Dwarf Birch’ model for sequencing because of several reasons. Considering birch genomics, dwarf birch serves as an excellent model, it has small size genome which makes it easy to grow experiment with. This research has added to the existing whole organism genome sequencing database, serving as reference to the scientists working on these trees.
This research will lead to focus on genetic diversity of birch population, study the resistance towards pests and this will be valuable tool to conserve this speices as it has been listed in endangered list.
This breakthrough will highlight many new findings in coming future.
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