Breaking Discovery: Tomato genome sequenced

The genome of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum),  a major crop plant and a model system for fruit development,  is sequenced by an International Consortium of Scientists. The genome of   domesticated tomato and  its closest wild relative, Solanumpimpinellifolium were sequenced.  The two tomato genomes show only 0.6% nucleotide divergence and signs of recent admixture, but show more than 8% divergence from potato, with nine large and several smaller inversions. In contrast to Arabidopsis,






but similar to soybean, tomato and potato small RNAs map predominantly to gene-rich chromosomal regions, including gene promoters. The Solanum lineage has experienced two consecutive genome triplications: one that is ancient and shared with rosids, and a more recent one. These triplications set the stage for the neofunctionalization of genes controlling fruit characteristics, such as colour and fleshiness.


[Click Here to Read the Nature Article]

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