Mapping the Arabidopsis genome

We are engaged in a project to assemble a complete physical map of the Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. genome. The first stage of this project involved the analysis of approximately 20,000 random cosmid clones representing an 8- to 10-fold sampling redundancy. Using computer matching programs, these clones have been assembled into some 750 contigs, encompassing 90-95% of the Arabidopsis genome. We are currently attempting to bridge the gaps by selecting the missing clones by hybridization. As a complement to this project we have constructed an RFLP map which currently contains 175 markers. The RFLP map provides contact points between the physical map and classical genetic map. Our main objective for undertaking this project is to simplify the cloning of genes where only the locus and not the product of the gene is known. In other words, the combined RFLP/physical map serves as a general cloning tool by simplifying the movement from the genetic locus to the cloned gene.