Chapter Four - Insights from the Soybean (Glycine max and Glycine soja) Genome: Past, Present, and Future

Abstract

The complete assembly of the soybean genome sequence was a paradigm-shifting event for legume genomicists and offered a promising new resource for breeders and geneticists. Subsequent and ongoing resequencing of additional soybean accessions and wild relatives is building a comprehensive infrastructure for understanding soybean gene content and germplasm diversity. In this chapter, we first revisit the major events in soybean genomics that preceded and led to the soybean-sequencing project. Next, we delve into the important and unique features of the soybean genome that have been revealed through recent sequencing and resequencing efforts. We highlight the immediate impacts of the genome sequence, including the integration of the soybean genetic and physical maps and how the genome sequence has accelerated gene cloning. Last, we address ongoing and new projects that are leveraging the genome sequence to address previously inaccessible questions, and providing new genetic resources. The purpose of this chapter is to give an insight into the ways that the soybean genome has enabled the research community to address standing issues in both fundamental and applied areas.