Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 14, 2026

Non-radioactive in situ Hybridization Protocol Applicable for Norway Spruce and a Range of Plant Species
Published on: April 17, 2009
An updated perspective: what genes make a tree a tree?
Siri Birkeland1, Eduardo R Soldado2, Sonali S Ranade3
1Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway; Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
None:
We learn early on how to tell trees apart from other plants. However, it has proved hard to distinguish trees from other plants at the genetic level, and it is believed that there are no unique 'tree genes'. With the rapid increase in available tree genomes, we can perform new comparative and evolutionary analyses of plant life histories and growth forms. Here we provide a fresh perspective on the genetic foundation for woodiness and perenniality in angiosperms by analyzing selection pressures and gene family evolution in the rosids using genomic data. We examine genes distinguishing trees from herbs and discuss future directions for uncovering the genetic factors that define a tree in this new era of tree genomics.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Inheritance
Each gene exists in pairs, and the combination of these genes from both parents forms an individual's genotype. This genotype is a blueprint of potential traits. Examples of genotype...
Phylogenetic Trees
Evolutionary Relationships through Genome Comparisons
Genetic Variation
Genes exist in different versions called alleles,...
Law of Independent Assortment
Morphogenesis

