Recent Progress in Cellular , Biochemical and Genetic Events of Brassica Species

Brassica species are playing an even more important role in global agriculture and horticulture. To understand the regulation and evolution of Brassica species, the Multinational Brassica Genome Project (MBGP) was initiated and various techniques have been developed to characterize the behaviour of the underlying genes, genomic regulatory networks and associated metabolism. By using cDNA library screening and Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE), many functional genes related to metabolism have been identified. cDNA microarrays were applied to determine gene expression profiles. Molecular markers were used in marker-assisted selection and breeding, and transformation technology was applied to the introduction of desirable traits. Moreover, quantitative trait loci (QTL) have been identified for a wide range of morphological, physiological and crop traits in the different Brassica crop types. Many systems and technologies have also been applied to study self-incompatibility and Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) in Brassica species. With the development of molecular biology, more and more knowledge at the level of gene expression, biochemistry, metabolism and physiology has been gained in Brassica species. Furthermore, as one of the most commonly grown and widely adapted crops Brassica species have been used as vegetables. We present a techniques review on cellular, biochemical and genetic events in Brassica species. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________