| An international group including researchers from Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology (VIB) at Ghent University has succeeded in deciphering the first tree genome (that of Populus trichocarpa). This tree serves as a model organism for tree species because of the relatively limited size of its genome. By comparing the genomes of P. trichocarpa with the much simpler genome of Arabidopsis which is already known, scientists hope to identify genes specific to tree species. Gaining knowledge of the poplar DNA could be used by molecular biologists to discover the functions of these genes and modify them to make trees grow faster to produce better quality timber or timber better suited for processing into paper (or for other specific uses). Genetic modification might also influence trees in becoming better at purifying the air (fixing CO2 , the primary gas that causes the greenhouse effect). VIB employs 800 scientists on research into gene technology in various fields oif the life-sciences. www.alphagalileo.org E-mail: sooike.stoops@vib.be www.vib.be |
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