Scientists map the tomato's genome

Updated:

HealthMore>>
More kids getting donor organs, but gaps persist
More kids getting donor organs, but gaps persist
Over the last decade, the number of American children who die each year awaiting an organ donation dropped by more than half, new research reveals. And increasing numbers of children are receiving donor organs.More >>
Over the last decade, the number of American children who die each year awaiting an organ donation dropped by more than half, new research reveals. And increasing numbers of children are receiving donor organs.More >>
Americans still making unhealthy choices
Americans still making unhealthy choices
The overall health of Americans isn't improving much, with about six in 10 people either overweight or obese and large numbers engaging in unhealthy behaviors like smoking, heavy drinking or not exercising.More >>
The overall health of Americans isn't improving much, with about six in 10 people either overweight or obese and large numbers engaging in unhealthy behaviors like smoking, heavy drinking or not exercising.More >>
Weather worries can threaten a child's mental health
Weather worries can threaten a child's mental health
The monstrous tornado that devastated Moore, Okla., on Monday, killing dozens of adults and children, is a stunning example of violent weather that can affect a child's mental well-being.More >>
The monstrous tornado that devastated Moore, Okla., on Monday, killing dozens of adults and children, is a stunning example of violent weather that can affect a child's mental well-being.More >>
Student suicide may spur similar thoughts in teens
Student suicide may spur similar thoughts in teens
When a classmate commits suicide, teens are more likely to consider or attempt suicide themselves, according to a new study. More >>
When a classmate commits suicide, teens are more likely to consider or attempt suicide themselves, according to a new study. More >>
Sleepless nights may hurt school performance of kids with asthma
Sleepless nights may hurt school performance of kids with asthma
Urban elementary school children with poorly controlled asthma are likely to experience sleep problems and suffer academically, new research indicates.More >>
Urban elementary school children with poorly controlled asthma are likely to experience sleep problems and suffer academically, new research indicates.More >>
Genes may boost woman's risk of postpartum depression
Genes may boost woman's risk of postpartum depression
Pregnant women with specific alterations in two genes may be at increased risk of suffering depression after giving birth, a small new study suggests.More >>
Pregnant women with specific alterations in two genes may be at increased risk of suffering depression after giving birth, a small new study suggests.More >>
Racial disparities seen in U.S. lung cancer treatment
Racial disparities seen in U.S. lung cancer treatment
Racial disparities exist in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer among hospitals in the United States, according to a large new study.More >>
Racial disparities exist in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer among hospitals in the United States, according to a large new study.More >>
Favorite music may ease anxiety for patients
Favorite music may ease anxiety for patients
Music can help soothe the fear and anxiety of critically ill patients who have been placed on ventilators, reducing both their stress and their need for sedatives, according to a new study.More >>
Music can help soothe the fear and anxiety of critically ill patients who have been placed on ventilators, reducing both their stress and their need for sedatives, according to a new study.More >>
Revised sunscreen labels should help consumers make wiser choices
Revised sunscreen labels should help consumers make wiser choices
Dermatologists are saying that new federally mandated labeling laws for sunscreens should help Americans make smarter choices when it comes to products that provide the best sun protection.More >>
Dermatologists are saying that new federally mandated labeling laws for sunscreens should help Americans make smarter choices when it comes to products that provide the best sun protection.More >>
Living near major roadways in pregnancy tied to respiratory woes in children
Living near major roadways in pregnancy tied to respiratory woes in children
A child whose mother lived near heavy traffic while pregnant faces a relatively higher risk for developing a respiratory infection before the age of 3, a new study suggests.More >>
A child whose mother lived near heavy traffic while pregnant faces a relatively higher risk for developing a respiratory infection before the age of 3, a new study suggests.More >>

WEDNESDAY, May 30 (HealthDay News) -- Scientists who were the first to fully sequence the tomato genome say their achievement is a critical step toward improving its yield, nutrition, disease resistance, taste and color.

The international group of researchers focused on a "Heinz 1706" tomato and found that it has about 35,000 genes arranged on 12 chromosomes.

"For any characteristic of the tomato -- whether it's taste, natural pest resistance or nutritional content -- we've captured virtually all those genes," James Giovannoni, the leader of the U.S. sequencing team and a scientist at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said in university news release.

The full genome sequence, as well as the sequence of a wild relative, will appear May 31 in the journal Nature.

"Tomato genetics underlies the potential for improved taste every home gardener knows and every supermarket shopper desires," Giovannoni said. "The genome sequence will help solve this and many other issues in tomato production and quality."

This genome sequence will make it easier and less costly for seed companies and plant breeders to sequence other tomato varieties for research and development, he noted.

The sequencing of the tomato genome also has implications for other plant species. Fleshy fruits such as strawberries, apples, melons and bananas share some characteristics with tomatoes. Information about tomato genes could potentially be applied to these species, helping to improve food quality and security and reduce costs, Giovannoni said.

On average, each American consumes more than 72 pounds of tomato products a year, according to the USDA. Tomatoes are a $2 billion market in the United States.

More information

Visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to learn about fresh produce safety.

*DISCLAIMER*: The information contained in or provided through this site section is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional advice. Use of this site section and any information contained on or provided through this site section is at your own risk and any information contained on or provided through this site section is provided on an "as is" basis without any representations or warranties.

Scientists map the tomato's genome - Wandtv.com, NewsCenter17, StormCenter17, Central Illinois News-

Scientists map the tomato's genome

HealthMore>>