China achieves progress in rice genome sequencing research
( 2002-09-18 15:36 ) (8 )

China and Japan have mapped out a single rice chromosome as part of the international rice genome sequencing plan, experts attending the International Rice Congress told Xinhua in an exclusive interview.

China finished the exact sequencing of chromosome four, in which Chinese scientists found 4,658 genes, with an accuracy rate reaching 99.99 percent, said Han bin, director of the National Center for Gene Research (NCGR).

Han said rice had 12 chromosomes and the exact genic structure could be identified by genome sequencing, which could provide the basis for the genetic breeding of rice and other crops.

Beijing Genomics Institute finished the working draft of rice genome sequencing in April this year, which showed China's genome research had reached an internationally advanced level.

China's sequencing of chromosome four is part of the International Rice Genome Sequencing Project conducted by 11 countries and regions including Japan, the United States and Germany.

Japan has also finished another chromosome sequencing.