GENOMICS

Genomics … the study of life

International Rice Genome Sequencing Project

Corn, cotton, tomato, soybean, and a patent

DNA fingerprinting, drought tolerance, and pest resistance

Partners and future directions

Team members

Program detail

Genomics … the study of life
Genomics is the study of all the molecules that are included in an organism’s entire genetic material, known as a genome. As scientists learn more about the molecular basis of life, they are finding astounding similarities between one plant and another and even between plants and animals. This means that knowledge gained from studying the genetic code of one organism can help scientists understand the genetic structure of other organisms.

One of the most significant agricultural research projects of the century is the National Science Foundation (NSF) Plant Genome Project, a massive effort to map the DNA of all major food and fiber crop plants. With understanding plants’ genetic make-up comes the promise of higher yields, improved nutritional content, and better resistance to heat, drought, and damaging pests … in short, a more abundant and more nutritious food supply for the world.

The Clemson University Genomics Institute (CUGI) is a leading player in the NSF Plant Genome Project, sequencing rice, tomato, cotton, corn, barley, sorghum, and other major crops, as well as serving as a worldwide library for plant DNA materials. 

Clemson University Genomics Institute
Research at Clemson’s Genomics Institute includes all the major agricultural crop plants, the diseases and pests that reduce crop yields, and extends to landscape plants such as roses and turfgrass.

Established in 1997, the institute constructs molecular genetic maps and genetic reference libraries for major food and fiber crops, such as cotton, soybean, corn, tomato, rice, sorghum, barley and wheat. These materials are used in worldwide research to discover useful genes for improving crop yield and quality. Similar genetic materials are being produced and studied to identify natural controls for the diseases and insect pests that threaten crop production.

An award from the National Science Foundation provided state-of-the-art equipment to map the entire genetic blueprint of crop plants, fungi, insects, and other pests. A robot mass-produces genetic reference libraries. The Genomics Institute is one of the few public facilities with the equipment necessary to mass-produce genetic reference libraries. The institute now has the largest collection of genetic materials in the world for plants and plant pests.

High-speed computers analyze DNA sequences, compile the data, and construct physical maps of the genomes. This information provides the framework for scientists to study gene functions and evolutionary mechanisms. The combination of computers and biological information at the Genomics Institute is called bioinformatics and is on the cutting edge of scientific research. Through fingerprinting and the use of genetic markers, desirable agronomic traits can be identified and tagged.