International Team of Scientists Including 18 Indian Scientists Decode Complex. . (Important)

Team of international researchers including 18 Indian scientists for 1st time has decoded wheat genome. In this research, DNA sequence of bread wheat was successfully ordered. It represents highest quality genome sequence generated to date for such wheat variety.

Interl. Team of Scientists Including 18 Indian Scientists

Key Facts on Complex Wheat Genome Decoding

  • Research conducted by more than 200 scientists from 73 research institutions in 20 countries.
  • Reference genome decoded covers 94% (14.5 GB) of entire wheat genome.
  • Team of 18 Indian scientists contributed in decoding of Chromosome 2A of wheat genome.
  • Project was financially supported by Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology.

Significance of Complex Wheat Genome Decoding

  • Research shows that bread wheat has complex hexaploid genome which is 40 times larger than that of rice genome & 5 times larger than human genome.
  • Information generated by decoded wheat genome will help to identify genes controlling complex agronomic traits such as yield, grain quality, resistance to diseases & pests as well as tolerance to drought, heat, water logging & salinity.
  • Availability of high quality reference genome will accelerate breeding of climate-resilient wheat varieties to feed ever-increasing world population & help address global food security in decades to come.

Examrace Team at Aug 20, 2021