14 Produce Degradation: Reaction Pathways and their Prevention
1.4 SUMMARY
The use of molecular biology techniques has led to significant advances in the
research on soft rot erwiniae. By comparing DNA sequences and the arrangement
of DNA along entire genomes, more new genetic information about the bacteria and
host–pathogen interactions can be unveiled, providing a base for further function
analysis. While new analytical tools such as microarray are important for genomic
study, much of the technology already available can also make a significant contri-
bution. This is particularly the case for random sampling tools that are used to test
a large number of bacterial strains. For example, strain-specific DNA fragment can
be deduced from RAPD analysis. The genetic nature of the specific DNA is then
elucidated through sequence analysis utilizing complete genome sequence databases.
As illustrated in Figure 1.1, whole genome sequences from model strains will serve
as the system core to screen for new genetic information from strains of different
sources. Both whole genome sequences from model strains and partial sequences
from field strains form the database of the population genome of soft rot erwinia.
The database will then be used to facilitate research in population genomics and to
resolve problems in the pathogen control.
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