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Updated: May 11, 2026
11:56
Non-radioactive in situ Hybridization Protocol Applicable for Norway Spruce and a Range of Plant Species
Published on: April 17, 2009
The Norway spruce genome sequence and conifer genome evolution.
Björn Nystedt1, Nathaniel R Street, Anna Wetterbom
1Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Box 1031, 171 21 Solna, Sweden.
Nature
|May 24, 2013
Summary
The Norway spruce genome, the first for any gymnosperm, reveals its large size is due to transposable elements, not gene duplication. This genomic insight offers new possibilities for conifer forestry and breeding.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Plant Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Conifers are ecologically and economically vital forest dominants.
- Gymnosperms, including conifers, represent an ancient plant lineage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the first draft genome assembly of Norway spruce (Picea abies).
- To investigate the reasons behind the large genome size in conifers.
- To explore genomic resources for conifer forestry and breeding.
Main Methods:
- Draft genome assembly of Norway spruce (20 gigabases).
- Comparative sequencing of multiple conifer species.
- Analysis of gene number, transposable elements, and small RNA expression.
Main Results:
- Norway spruce genome has 28,354 genes, similar to Arabidopsis thaliana.
- Large genome size attributed to accumulation of long-terminal repeat transposable elements.
- Low expression of 24-nucleotide small RNAs observed, suggesting a different silencing mechanism.
- Identification of long introns, gene fragments, and non-coding RNAs.
Conclusions:
- The Norway spruce genome provides a foundational resource for gymnosperm genomics.
- Transposable element accumulation, rather than gene duplication, explains large conifer genomes.
- Genomic insights pave the way for advancements in conifer forestry and breeding programs.
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