Plant & Animal Genomes XI Conference

January 11-15, 2003
Town & Country Convention Center
San Diego, CA

Poster: Genome Sequencing & ESTs
            

CDNA LIBRARIES FOR IDENTIFYING GENES IN CHENOPODIUM QUINOA

Brigham Young University,Plant and Animal Sciences, Provo, UT, 84602-0002

Knowing specific sequences of DNA that encode seed storage proteins may be useful in the development of higher protein cultivars for needy areas of the world, and in preserving protein content in crops already known to contain a high amount of protein. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) seeds are a source of high-quality protein, and therefore, an extremely valuable nutritional resource to the Andean peoples who cultivate this crop. We are in the process of identifying seed storage protein genes in quinoa, and developing EST’s for potential placement on a genetic map. This process involves the development of quality, full-length cDNA libraries, randomly sequencing cDNA inserts, and using BLAST homology searches to identify the function of genes represented by the cDNAs we have sequenced. We have constructed two libraries to date, one seed and one floral, and have begun the searches. Our immediate goal is to identify potential genes that encode seed storage proteins in quinoa. Our future plans include the construction of additional libraries from the other tissues, and random sequencing of the cDNA inserts from those libraries to enable us to build a substantial EST database for quinoa. Our long-range plans are to: 1) develop a core collection of quinoa germplasm, and 2) construct a genetic map for quinoa that will facilitate crop improvement through marker-assisted selection.