Media – Redwood Genome Project

Redwood Genome Project

New sequoia seedlings grow at Alder Creek. Photo by Max Whittaker.New sequoia seedlings grow at Alder Creek. Photo by Max Whittaker.
Winter in Sequoia National Park. Photo by Max Forster, @maxforsterphotographyWinter in Sequoia National Park. Photo by Max Forster, @maxforsterphotography
Scientists completed sequencing the coast redwood and giant sequoia genomes. Photo by Will Kirk of Homewood Photography (JHU)Scientists completed sequencing the coast redwood and giant sequoia genomes. Photo by Will Kirk of Homewood Photography (JHU)
Emily Burns, PhD, former League Director of Science, reaches for the captivating cream-colored needles of an albino sprout growing out of a redwood. “It lacks chlorophyll, so it’s white, and it’s caused by a mutation on that particular sprout’s DNA,” she said. Further genomic research could confirm hypotheses that albino sprouts are more than parasites. It’s clear that the deeper we go into the redwood genome, the more we’ll know. Photo by Paolo VesciaEmily Burns, PhD, former League Director of Science, reaches for the captivating cream-colored needles of an albino sprout growing out of a redwood. “It lacks chlorophyll, so it’s white, and it’s caused by a mutation on that particular sprout’s DNA,” she said. Further genomic research could confirm hypotheses that albino sprouts are more than parasites. It’s clear that the deeper we go into the redwood genome, the more we’ll know. Photo by Paolo Vescia
Scientists completed sequencing the coast redwood and giant sequoia genomes. Photo by Will Kirk of Homewood Photography (JHU)Scientists completed sequencing the coast redwood and giant sequoia genomes. Photo by Will Kirk of Homewood Photography (JHU)
Redwood Genome Project lab. Photo by Will Kirk of Homewood Photography (JHU)Redwood Genome Project lab. Photo by Will Kirk of Homewood Photography (JHU)
Redwood Genome Project lab. Photo by Will Kirk of Homewood Photography (JHU)Redwood Genome Project lab. Photo by Will Kirk of Homewood Photography (JHU)
Butano State Park. Photo by Julie MartinButano State Park. Photo by Julie Martin
In the first year, researchers will develop and publicly release genome sequences using a tree from the pictured Butano State Park for the coast redwood genome and a tree from Sequoia National Park for the giant sequoia genome. Photo by Julie Martin.In the first year, researchers will develop and publicly release genome sequences using a tree from the pictured Butano State Park for the coast redwood genome and a tree from Sequoia National Park for the giant sequoia genome. Photo by Julie Martin.
Coast redwood cone. Photo by Julie MartinCoast redwood cone. Photo by Julie Martin
A tree from Sequoia National Park will be used by Redwood Genome Project researchers to map the genome of giant sequoia trees. Photo by Mark BultA tree from Sequoia National Park will be used by Redwood Genome Project researchers to map the genome of giant sequoia trees. Photo by Mark Bult
Sequoia National Park. Photo by Mark BultSequoia National Park. Photo by Mark Bult
Giant sequoia cones. Photo by Mark BultGiant sequoia cones. Photo by Mark Bult
Benefits of a genetically diverse forest include increased defense against threats, resulting in a more resilient ecosystem.Benefits of a genetically diverse forest include increased defense against threats, resulting in a more resilient ecosystem.
The coast redwood and giant sequoia genomes were sequenced by Save the Redwoods League, University of California, Davis and Johns Hopkins University.The coast redwood and giant sequoia genomes were sequenced by Save the Redwoods League, University of California, Davis and Johns Hopkins University.

Infographics

Benefits of a Genetically Diverse Forest

Infographic describes benefits of a genetically diverse forest
Benefits of a genetically diverse forest. Click to view infographic.

Sequenced Genome Sizes

Sequenced Genome Sizes infographic
The coast redwood and giant sequoia genomes were sequenced by Save the Redwoods League, University of California, Davis and Johns Hopkins University. Click to view.