Sequencing of Poplar Genome Could Boost Biomass Production

A newly published research paper documents the first complete DNA analysis of a tree, which could yield new fast-growing trees that are bioengineered for energy production. The paper, published in the September 15th edition of the journal Science, summarizes the efforts of DOE's Joint Genome Institute, DOE's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and 34 international institutions to analyze the genome of the black cottonwood, or Populus trichocarpa. The poplar's extraordinarily rapid growth, and its relatively compact genome size of 480 million nucleotide units (40 times smaller than the genome of pine), are among the many features that led researchers to target poplar as a model crop for biomass energy production. Poplar is only the third plant to date to have its genome completely sequenced and published. The project identified more than 45,000 protein-coding genes—more than any other organism sequenced to date—and 93 genes associated with the production of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, the building blocks of plant cell walls. See the announcement from the Joint Genome Institute.