More than 80 researchers from 30 institutions in 18 countries have sequenced
and analyzed the genome of Eucalyptus grandis. The Eucalyptus genome has 640
million DNA base pairs, containing 36,000 genes.

The eucalyptus team identified genes encoding the 18 final enzymatic steps
for the production of cellulose and the hemicellulose xylan, both cell wall
carbohydrates that can be used for biofuel production. Results also revealed
an ancient whole-genome duplication event estimated to have occurred about
110 million years ago, as well as an unusually high proportion of genes in
tandem duplicate arrays.

The researchers also found that among sequenced plants to date, Eucalyptus
showed the highest diversity of genes for specialized metabolites such as
terpenes, hydrocarbons that serve as chemical self-defenses against pests,
as well as providing the familiar aromatic essential oils used in both
medicinal cough drops and for industrial processes.

[jgi.doe.gov] and www.isaaa.org