Polyploid genome of Camelina sativa revealed by isolation of fatty acid synthesis genes – C. Hutcheon, R.F. Ditt, M. Beilstein, L. Comai, J. Schroeder, E. Goldstein, C.K. Shewmaker, T. Nguyen, J. De Rocher, and J. Kiser – BMC Plant Biology – 2010

Summary: There is compelling evidence for triplication of the C. sativa genome, including a larger chromosome number and three-fold larger measured genome size than other Camelina relatives, three isolated copies of FAD2, FAE1, and the KCS17-FAE1 intergenic region, and three expressed haplotypes observed for six predicted single-copy genes. Based on these results, we propose that C. sativa be considered an allohexaploid. The characterization of fatty acid synthesis pathway genes will allow for the future manipulation of oil composition of this emerging biofuel crop; however, targeted manipulations of oil composition and general development of C. sativa should consider and, when possible take advantage of, the implications of polyploidy. Link: (Open Access) http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2229/10/233