Genetic Improvement
of Economic Crops
Graduate research and education in Genetic Improvement of Economic
Crops within the Agronomy Department at Purdue uses both basic and
applied science to study how genes affect the growth of plants.
This area of study includes:
- Structural Genomics
- Functional Genomics
- Computational Genomics
- Comparative Genomics
Faculty and students look at the structure of the plant genome
to identify the location of genes along the chromosome. Genes trigger
protein activity that enables plants to exhibit certain traits,
some desirable and some not desirable. Researchers in this area
hope to identify genes that link to specific traits and trigger
those genes to “turn on.” Researchers also look at the
function of the genes and their relationship to certain plant characteristics
such as height, yield, oil production, starch synthesis, etc. Through
computational genomics, massive amounts of data generated in the
study of the genome are organized, analyzed, and interpreted. The
molecular physiologists study the genetic regulation of metabolic
processes such as synthesis of compounds, nutrient uptake, etc.
Breeders combine traditional breeding techniques with genetic methodologies
to target specific plant species and make more efficient crosses.
Students entering this field should have a basic understanding
of and an interest in plant growth and development. In addition,
students should have exposure to the basic principles of genetics
and statistical procedures.
Graduates in Genetic Improvement of Economic Crops find jobs in
the private sector at Fortune 500 companies like Dupont and Monsanto,
or various seed and biotech companies. They may also work in the
academic sector in research or as educators, or may work in research
and development in the government sector. |
