Structural analyses of the genomes in legumes.

The genome sequencing of two model legumes and soybean (Glycine max) is near completion. In addition, genomic information, such as ESTs, genomic sequences, and DNA markers has been intensively collected from a variety of crop legumes using new genomic technologies. The accumulating information provides an opportunity to perform comparative analyses to decipher the evolutionary process of genomic structures and functions in leguminous plants. Furthermore, it can serve as a basis to exchange knowledge among the model and crop legumes, which, when combined with the new experimental techniques developed in the model legumes, will not only facilitate an understanding of the basic genetic systems in crop legumes, but also accelerate the breeding process.