Plant genomics and our food supply: an introduction.

“Protecting Our Food Supply: The Value of Plant Genome Initiatives,” a National Academy of Sciences Colloquium held June 2–5, 1997 at the Beckman Center in Irvine, CA, revealed a new paradigm based on the extensive similarities among the world’s food cereals and other grasses in terms of chromosomal gene content and gene order. Recent findings show that a gene on the chromosome of one grass species can be anticipated to be present in a predicted location on a specific chromosome of a number of other grass family species. In fact, the chromosomes of the various species, most of which differ in chromosome numbers, can be arrayed in concentric circles such that a radial line from the central species with the smallest genome—rice—will pass through regions of similar genic content in each of the other species. This concept has led the plant genetics community to view the grass family as a single genetic system. Recognition of these relationships has led to the exciting prospect of gaining sufficient genomic information from one species to understand much of the genetics of a broad array of species. The identification of genes controlling important pathways such as for insect resistance, isolation of genes of various types, determination of directional pathways of evolution and location of useful genes from exotic sources, decision making on biodiversity conservation, and many other applications in plant breeding will be easier because of the heightened understanding of genetic relationships. Similar results are emerging for all groups of species, plants and animals. Reviews of the …