The researchers found that the sets of chromosomes in soybeans have copied themselves at least twice. It happened almost sixty million years ago and again thirteen million years ago.
Over time, genes develop changes, known as mutations. Scientists can tell when these changes happened. The number of mutations over time helped the team estimate when the duplications in soybeans took place.
The genome could help genetic engineers develop soybeans that are processed better by farm animals. Soybeans contain chemicals called phytates. These prevent the absorption of phosphorus in the diet.
Pigs and chickens especially are affected. Undigested phosphorus in their waste can pollute water supplies.
Genetic engineering has already reduced phytates in soybeans. Now with the gene map there could be further reductions.
The genome could also help farmers avoid Asian soybean rust disease, a highly destructive fungus spread by the wind. The researchers say they found a gene for resistance to this disease. Now they have to find a way to use it.
And that's the VOA Special English Agriculture Report, written by Jerilyn Watson. You can find transcripts, MP3s and captioned videos of our reports at voaspecialenglish.com. I'm Bob Doughty.
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2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25