Purdue Genomics Roundup April 2001 WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. This February scientists made headlines when they published the sequence of the human genome the so-called "code of life." "Agricultural genomics is well behind human genomics," he says "But we can adapt the tools used in the Human Genome Project to find solutions for problems in food much faster than drugs for human problems can be brought to the market." Genomics uses automated laboratory equipment and high-power computers to identify all of the genes in an organism. These genetic road maps can be used to create genetically modified organisms, such as Bt corn. Genetic information also can provide an advantage to traditional crop and animals breeders that was unthinkable 10 years ago. Here are examples of plant and animal genomics projects under way at Purdue University: Purdue researchers have created more than 300,000 genetically altered plants, and scientists at other institutions have created hundreds of thousands of additional genetically altered plants. "For all practical purposes, the genome is saturated; there has been a mutation for every gene," Bressan says. Purdue entomologist Greg Hunt, in collaboration with Ernesto Guzman-Novoa of Mexico's agricultural research service, used gene mapping techniques more commonly used in plant genetics to locate the genes that influence behavior in Africanized bees. "We have developed specific gene markers that predict the probability of queen bees having the African version of stinging genes so it will be easier for breeders to avoid using them," Hunt says. "Now that we have the markers we can selectively breed for gentle bees." -- Peter Borst <[log in to unmask]>