Rice genome project full detail

RICE GENOME PROJECT Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the most important food crop in the world and feeds over half of the global population. As the first step in a systematic and complete functional characterization of the rice genome, the International Rice Genome Sequencing Project (IRGSP) has generated and analysed a highly accurate finished sequence of the rice genome that is anchored to the genetic map. The analysis has revealed several salient features of the rice genome The IRGSP, formally established in 1998, pooled the resources of sequencing groups in ten nations to obtain a complete finished quality sequence of the rice genome 1. Provided evidence for a genome size of 389 Mb. 2. A total of 37,544 non-transposable-element-related protein-coding sequences were detected. A total of 2,859 genes seem to be unique to rice and the other cereals, some of which might differentiate monocot and dicot lineages. 3. The transposon content of rice is at least 35% and is populated by representatives from all known transposon superfamilies 4. The availability of a complete and high-quality map-based sequence has provided the opportunity to study genome organization and evolution.Most importantly, the order and identity of 37,544 genes of rice have been unraveled. The sequence provides the required ingredients for functional genomics and molecular breeding programs aimed at unraveling intricate cellular processes and improving rice productivity