Arabidopsis thaliana

Arabidopsis thaliana, a small plant in the mustard family, has become the model for molecular genetic research on plants because of its small size, rapid growth cycle (6 weeks), large production of seed, and small genome (the smallest known of any flowering plant). In 1990, when Arabidopsis was being tested as a laboratory model for plant genetics, the DOE Plant Research Laboratory at Michigan State University initiated a project to analyze expressed sequence tags (ESTs), mirror images of fragments of genes and the proteins they make. Because they can be used to scan for and tag active genes, ESTs rapidly became important tools for identifying and isolating plant genes. Subsequently, other federal agencies provided support, resulting in a multinational computer database linked to U.S. and European stock centers, which distribute seeds and DNA of Arabidopsis to researchers worldwide. The research that grew out of this work laid the groundwork for the Arabidopsis Genome Initiative, which began 1996 as a multinational effort to sequence this plant's genome. The entire sequence (130 million pairs of chemical units) was officially completed recently and is largely available on the World Wide Web. As a direct model for 250,000 closely related species, Arabidopsis will help scientists understand the molecular basis of plant growth and development and address fundamental questions in plant physiology, biochemistry, cell biology, and pathology.

Scientific Impact: The MSU effort was instrumental in establishing Arabidopsis as a model organism for identifying and studying plant genes at the molecular level. Since the early sequencing of ESTs, studies using Arabidopsis have yielded many significant advances, including the discovery of plant hormone and signal receptor action and components of disease resistance.

Social Impact: Concentrated research on this single plant will provide detailed information that can be applied to a wide range of plant attributes relevant to energy, manufacturing, the environment, agriculture, and even human health. One result has been crops that are more resistant to the cold; further insights will help scientists make other plants easier to grow under adverse conditions, healthier to eat, and more disease resistant.

Reference: Arabidopsis thaliana Genome Sequencing Completed," Nature, December 14, 2000.

URL: http://www.science.doe.gov/featurs_articles_2000/arabidopsis/Arabidopsisx.htm

Technical Contact: Don Freeburn, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, 301-903-3156

Press Contact: Jeff Sherwood, DOE Office of Public Affairs, 202-586-5806

SC-Funding Office: Office of Basic Energy Sciences