Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026
05:55
High-throughput, Microscale Protocol for the Analysis of Processing Parameters and Nutritional Qualities in Maize (Zea mays L.)
Published on: June 16, 2018
Entering the second century of maize quantitative genetics
J G Wallace1, S J Larsson, E S Buckler
1Institute for Genomic Diversity, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
Heredity
|March 7, 2013
Summary
Maize genetics research reveals complex traits are controlled by many genes with rare alleles. These findings offer insights into outcrossing species, including humans.
Area of Science:
- Plant genetics
- Agricultural science
- Genomics
Background:
- Maize is a globally significant crop and a vital model organism for genetic research.
- Its genetic architecture resembles outcrossing species, offering unique insights compared to self-pollinating plants.
- Recent advancements provide powerful tools for dissecting complex maize traits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent progress in maize genetics.
- To explore genetic mechanisms underlying complex maize traits.
- To highlight maize's utility in studying outcrossing species.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing advanced genetic mapping populations.
- Employing genome-wide association studies (GWAS).
- Analyzing linkage and genetic variation models.
Main Results:
- Most maize traits are polygenic, influenced by numerous genes with rare alleles.
- Natural alleles typically have small effect sizes, with limited pleiotropy or epistasis.
- Low-recombination regions harbor multi-gene blocks potentially driving heterosis.
Conclusions:
- Maize's genetic makeup provides a valuable model for understanding outcrossing species.
- Domestication has significantly shaped the maize genome and trait architecture.
- Insights from maize genetics can inform studies in other outcrossing organisms, including humans.
Related Concept Videos
02:27Trihybrid Crosses
Trihybrid Crosses
Some of Mendel’s crosses examined three pairs of contrasting characteristics. Such a cross is called a trihybrid cross. A trihybrid cross is a combination of three individual monohybrid crosses. For example, plant height (tall vs. short), seed shape (round vs. wrinkled), and seed color (yellow vs. green).
The F1 generation plants of a trihybrid cross are heterozygous for all three traits and produce eight gametes. Upon self-fertilization, these gametes have an equal chance to...
Some of Mendel’s crosses examined three pairs of contrasting characteristics. Such a cross is called a trihybrid cross. A trihybrid cross is a combination of three individual monohybrid crosses. For example, plant height (tall vs. short), seed shape (round vs. wrinkled), and seed color (yellow vs. green).
The F1 generation plants of a trihybrid cross are heterozygous for all three traits and produce eight gametes. Upon self-fertilization, these gametes have an equal chance to...
01:20Monohybrid Crosses
Overview
01:20Monohybrid Crosses
Overview
01:59Plant Breeding and Biotechnology
Crop cultivation has a long history in human civilization, with records showing the cultivation of cereal plants beginning at around 8000 BC. This early plant breeding was developed primarily to provide a steady supply of food.
01:18Dihybrid Crosses
Overview
02:46Chi-square Analysis
The chi-square test is a statistical hypothesis test. It is used to check whether there is a significant difference between an expected value and an observed value. In the context of genetics, it enables us to either accept or reject a hypothesis, based on how much the observed values deviate from the expected values.
The chi-square test was developed by Pearson in 1990.
The first step of performing a Chi-square analysis is to establish a null hypothesis, which assumes that there is no real...
The chi-square test was developed by Pearson in 1990.
The first step of performing a Chi-square analysis is to establish a null hypothesis, which assumes that there is no real...