Papaver somniferum, the opium poppy, is a medicinal and ornamental plant known for producing pharmacologically important benzylisoquinoline alkaloids such as morphine and codeine. Its poppy seeds are used for culinary applications as breads and cakes. This is because the alkaloids are mainly concentrated in the latex of the immature capsule, while mature seeds contain negligible…
Genomic interest areas: Food production
Cronobacter sakazakii
Gram-negative encapsulated bacillus, opportunistic emerging pathogen. Outbreaks have been associated with the consumption of infant formula (powdered milk). It is capable of forming biofilms on baby bottles and latex nipples, leading to meningitis, bacteremia, necrotizing enterocolitis, or meningoencephalitis in neonates and immunocompromised individuals. Its mortality rate ranges from 40–80%, and it may result in neurological…
Beet
Beta vulgaris, the beet, is cultivated for its colorful, fleshy roots and nutritious leaves rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Its genome is diploid and encodes genes important for sugar production, making it a vital crop in temperate regions worldwide. J. C., Minoche, A. E., Holtgräwe, D., Capella-Gutiérrez, S., Zakrzewski, F., Tafer, H., Rupp, O.,…
European eel
Its body is covered in a slimy mucus layer and its coloration ranges from olive-brown to yellowish on the belly. They live in freshwater but migrate to the sea to spawn. Specifically, they are born in the Sargasso Sea, then drift thousands of kilometers across the ocean to European rivers, where they spend most of…
Corn plant
Maize cobs typically have an even number of rows — it’s a cool quirk of plant biology—. Regardless of the variety, kernels rows follow a predictable pattern, with most types having between 8 and 20 rows. This happens because of the way maize develops, ensuring the total number of rows is almost always an even…
Asian cultivated rice
Oryza sativa, the rice plant, is one of the most important cereal crops worldwide. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding rice genetics, evolution, and traits related to yield, quality, and stress tolerance. 10.1126/science.1068037 (Apr 5, 2002)
Cacao
Theobroma cacao, the cacao tree, is the source of cocoa beans used to produce chocolate. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding cacao genetics, disease resistance, and traits related to cocoa bean quality. 10.1038/ng.736 (Dec 26, 2010)
American lobster
Homarus americanus, the American lobster, is a commercially important crustacean species. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding lobster biology, fisheries management, and conservation efforts. 10.1126/sciadv.abe8290 (Jun 23, 2021)
Common sunflower
Helianthus annuus, the common sunflower, is a versatile crop cultivated for its edible seeds and oil. Its genome sequencing aids in sunflower breeding for improved yield, oil content, and stress tolerance. 10.1038/nature22380 (May 22, 2017)
Sweet orange
Citrus sinensis, the sweet orange, is a widely cultivated fruit tree species. Its genome sequencing aids in citrus breeding programs, disease resistance research, and understanding fruit development. 10.1038/ng.2472 (Nov 25, 2012)