Apple Molecular Biology
What is the apple genome? From fruit to DNA.
Directions
1. Go to the Apple Genomics website at www.four-h.purdue.edu/apple_genomics
2. Click on the link Apple Molecular Biology.
3. Click on the link What is Genomics.
4. After reading the entire page click on the animation to learn more about apple
genomics.
5. Then complete the review questions on this worksheet using what you learned
from the reading and animation.
Why is the apple important to study?
1. Represents the family Rosaceae and serves as a model for the whole group of plants.
2. The apple is a woody ornamental plant, specifically a long-lived and fruiting tree.
3. It is the most important deciduous fruit tree crop.
4. The apple has a relatively small genome, which is ideal for a model.
5. There is currently no public apple database in existence.
6. It is great for studies that rely on fruiting, flowering, and pathogens as a source for research and information.
7. The apple industry is economically important globally where profits are $37 billion per year.
What is the benefit of studying a genome?
By studying the genome, you can learn about the life functions of organisms at the most basic levels. Comparison of
genomes of various species, and the functions of the genes contained within, leads to a broad understanding of the
role that certain genes play in life. Fundamental knowledge of these processes, is vital to the understanding of the
mechanisms of life.
The apple is very important to the world economy and food supply. Cultivated since the first century, apples are an
ideal candidate for genomic study. Information gained from researching an important crop species such as apple,
contributes the overall general knowledge as well as allowing researchers to make comparative studies between the
genomes of crop species and other known model plant species. Conclusions drawn from such comparisons help
scientists understand the relationships between gene composition and function at various levels.
For example, the apple is a flowering plant, a tree, a dicot, commercial crop, and a "healthy" food producer. Studying
other plants that fall into one or more of these categories allows comparison and brings new understanding of the
interconnectedness of the genetic web. The genes responsible for flowering in the apple may be very similar to other
flowering plants. Understanding the differences in composition and expression allow researchers to refine theoretical
models of how the biological and chemical processes responsible for flowering actually perform.
What is a genome?
"What is genomics?" is the first of seven animations that is used to uncover the use of genomics, and why the focus is
on the apple genome. Beginning at the apple tree, the fruit is studied by magnifying tissues and cells. In further detail,
the various parts of a cell and a brief synopsis of the function of the nucleus, chromosomes, and DNA are discussed.
Key Terms:
Define the following key terms that were discussed in the reading and or the animation.
1. Genome
2. Cell
3. Nucleus
4. Chromosome
5. Double-Helix
What Did You Learn?
Answer the following questions using complete sentences.
6. How many copies of the complete apple genome are contained in a typical apple cell’s
nucleus?
7. The apple genome is divided among how many chromosomes?
8. Draw and describe. A DNA molecule takes what shape?
9. Fill-in. A pairs with _____, and G pairs with _____.
10. Summarize the benefits of knowing the complete genome sequence for an organism?
What specific benefits are gained by studying the apple genome?