Arabidopsis thaliana

Arabidopsis thaliana is a small flowering plant that is widely used as a model organism in plant biology. Arabidopsis is a member of the mustard (Brassicaceae) family, which includes cultivated species such as cabbage and radish. Arabidopsis is not of major agronomic significance, but it has several features that make it an excellent model for understanding the genetic, cellular, and molecular biology of flowering plants.

Description

Arabidopsis thaliana is a small, flowering plant that typically grows to about 20-25 centimeters in height. The plant has a relatively short life cycle, typically completing its lifecycle in six weeks, and produces many seeds. The leaves are small and usually arranged in a rosette at the base of the plant. The flowers are small and white, with four petals.

Distribution and habitat

Arabidopsis thaliana is native to Europe, Asia, and northwestern Africa but has also naturalized in many parts of the world. It is often found in disturbed habitats, including fields, roadsides, and gardens.

Use in research

Arabidopsis thaliana is widely used as a model organism in plant biology and is one of the most popular plants used in genetic research. The plant's small size, short lifecycle, and ease of cultivation make it ideal for laboratory use. Additionally, Arabidopsis was the first plant to have its entire genome sequenced, making it an invaluable resource for studying plant genetics.

Genetics

The genome of Arabidopsis thaliana was sequenced in 2000 by the Arabidopsis Genome Initiative. The genome is relatively small, consisting of approximately 135 million base pairs and around 27,000 genes. The Arabidopsis genome has been a valuable resource for plant biologists, providing insights into plant genetics and the functions of plant genes.

See also

• Model organism
• Plant genetics
• Genome sequencing