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Plant genomics
Science programmes: Gene discovery & function, Genomic technologies, Plant pathogen interactions, Plant development
Plant Genomics utilises the genetic information encoded within DNA to unravel the biology of the organisms in which we are interested. DNA is the information blueprint that resides within almost every cell in a living organism. Each cell of a complex organism uses a subset of genes by converting them into RNA. Gene regulation is the process of activating DNA into RNA or de-activating RNA. RNA is converted into proteins that provide structural, regulatory or biochemical activity within a cell. Specialised cells, such as those that make up an apple fruit, possess a unique combination of RNA, proteins and compounds that distinguish the fruit from other parts of the apple tree. Describing the unique profile of RNA (Microarrays), proteins (Proteomics and Immunomolecular biology) and compounds (Metabolomics) within our horticultural crops, will help us understand the biological make-up of these complex structures and how they develop.
To do this we have generated an extensive collection of gene sequences (DNA cloning) from apple, kiwifruit and blueberry, and collated them into a database (Bioinformatics).
We are using these technologies and resources to further understand key horticultural traits of interest to both consumers and horticulturalists. These include:
- Fruit flavour, health, colour, size, texture and shape;
- Plant-pathogen interaction and disease resistance;
- Seasonal effect of pereniality (bud break), flowering and fruit maturation;
- Tree stature (dwarfing) and architecture (branching).
We are using genetic modification techniques in the transformation of both model and crop plants to assign a functional role to genes. We also make extensive use of mapping, and our germplasm collections to build on this knowledge and, in turn, provide resources to assist our future breeding efforts.
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