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USA – MUSHROOM GENOME TO BE SEQUENCED
Unlocking the secrets of the Oyster Mushroom genome
6 October 2006 - CropBiotech Update
The oyster mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus, will have the distinction of being the first edible mushroom in the world to be genetically sequenced. The project was chosen from amongst more than 400 entered for the annual competition of the Joint Genome Institute (JGI) of the United States Department of Energy’s Science Office.
Why a mushroom? Aside from being rich in vitamins and minerals, the mushrooms are actively involved in recycling carbon in the environment by degrading lignin, a component of wood. The degradation of this lignin is an essential step in the production of biofuels. Mushrooms may also be recruited for the breakdown of man-made contaminants released into the environment.
The article, “Sequencing of the oyster mushroom genome,” can be accessed at
www.basqueresearch.com/berria_irakurri.asp?Gelaxka=1_1&Berri_Kod=1046&hizk=I.
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