A Model Legume

Integrated Functional Genomics Transcriptomics, Proteomics, and Metabolomics 

The biological sciences have greatly advanced through the large scale 

These global studies are increasingly being referred to as systems biology. 

Quantitative and qualitative measurements of large numbers of cellular metabolites 

Profiling of the transcriptome and proteome has received some criticism in its ability to predict function. The transcriptome has a singular purpose, which is to transport a message for a protein that is to be translated however, increases in the 

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Achnine, L., Huhman, D.V, Farag, M.A. et al. (2005). Genomics-based selection and functional characterization of triterpene glycosyltransferases from the model legume Medicago truncatula. The Plant Journal, 41, 875-887. 

Modolo, L.V. et al. (2007) A functional genomics approach to (iso)flavonoid glycosylation in the model legume Medicago truncatula. Plant Mol. Biol. 64,499-518... 

The model legume Medicago has attracted considerable attention for two classes of secondary metabolites isoflavonoids and triter-pene saponins. To cover a large portion of... 

The M. truncatula tagged lines will provide a valuable resource of materials to screen for traits of agronomic interest. While many of these traits are intriguing, we have neither the time nor established screens to perform the evaluation. Other groups with interests primarily in soybean have expressed interest in our mutant populations. These groups view M. truncatula as a potential model system for the study of legume secondary metabolite/nutraceutical pathways, a niche that Arabidopsis cannot fill in some instances. 

The fixation of nitrogen by plants directly from the soil via the root systems (flux He) occupies a principle place in the nitrogen cycle, especially in areas that are cultivated. For instance, an increase in the yield of legumes in agriculture can raise He up to 35tkm 2yr 1. Therefore, consideration of this flux in the model is... 

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