RESEARCH
THE GENETICS OF ETHANOL PRODUCTION
To sequence the maize genome, scientists first collect and purify DNA from maize plants in the laboratory. Purified DNA is "chopped up" to produce DNA small enough to analyze. A sequencing machine determines the actual order of about 1,000 DNA bases (abbreviated G, A, T, or C) at a time. By analyzing the sequence data with sophisticated computer programs, the fragments can be aligned by overlapping their ends. Repeated sequences throughout the genome make it difficult to match up the correct pieces. When the project is completed, researchers will know the sequence of all 2.5 billion DNA bases in the maize genome. SOURCE: NICOLLE RAGER FULLER, NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
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ETHANOL PRODUCER MAGAZINE JUNE 2008