Fleury, D. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2018

Optical and physical mapping with local finishing enables megabase-scale resolution of agronomically important regions in the wheat genome

BackgroundNumerous scaffold-level sequences for wheat are now being released and, in this context, we report on a strategy for improving the overall assembly to a level comparable to that of the human genome.\n\nResultsUsing chromosome 7A of wheat as a model, sequence-finished megabase scale sections of this chromosome were established by combining a new independent assembly based on a BAC-based physical map, BAC pool paired end sequencing, chromosome arm specific mate-pair sequencing and Bionano optical mapping with the IWGSC RefSeq v1.0 sequence and its underlying raw data. The combined assembly results in 18 super-scaffolds across the chromosome. The value of finished genome regions is demonstrated for two approximately 2.5 Mb regions associated with yield and the grain quality phenotype of fructan carbohydrate grain levels. In addition, the 50 Mb centromere region analysis incorporates cytological data highlighting the importance of non-sequence data in the assembly of this complex genome region.\n\nConclusionsSufficient genome sequence information is shown to be now available for the wheat community to produce sequence-finished releases of each chromosome of the reference genome. The high-level completion identified that an array of seven fructosyl transferase genes underpins grain quality and yield attributes are affected by five f-box-only-protein-ubiquitin ligase domain and four root-specific lipid transfer domain genes. The completed sequence also includes the centromere.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2017

A MODULAR PHOTOSYNTHETIC MICROBIAL FUEL CELL WITH INTERCHANGEABLE ALGAESOLAR COMPARTMENTS

This project trial provides a novel small-scale solar harnessing technology which increases environmental effectiveness while maintaining optimal energy efficiency. Although modern solar panels are purposed in producing clean energy, the materials and byproducts of solar cell manufacturing are not eco-friendly. Thus, considering an organic, renewable and energy efficient solar cell model is necessary. Investigations explored multiple highly-photosynthetic algal species which were later integrated into a controlled microbial fuel cell system (MFC). The MFC1 contained algae culture species, including Chlorella Vulgaris, Nannochloropsis, and Spirulina. Parameters, such as periodic lipid yields, algal biomass, and light absorption were assessed throughout the cultivation process while maintaining a controlled environment. After 30 days of cultivation, the culture was transferred to an anode chamber in a closed loop small-scale MFC. Following the first day of algae transfer, microwatt output was analyzed from independent test trials. Statistical comparisons were drawn between electrical energy and light absorption, finding a generally positive correlation. Thus, it is concluded that mid-high algae concentrations significantly increased electrical micro-wattage in highly absorptive algal cultures. The optimal electric levels occurred at 286 A (absorbance) and 35 mW-Nannochloropsis, 123 A-Chlorella (30.2 mW), and 142 A (31 mW)-Spirulina culture. Due to higher absorption rates in the Nannochloropsis culture, this corresponds with the record high voltage levels. The analysis of data indicates that Algae-based MFCs are proven hopeful for alternative high-yield energy production.

ecology↗