BBC Learning English
Words in the News
15

th

July 2011

Scientists map potato genome

Words in the News

© British Broadcasting Corporation 2011

Page 1 of 2

bbclearningenglish.com

For the first time, scientists have decoded the full DNA sequence of the potato plant. Details

of the achievement are published in the journal, Nature. The discovery could help to boost

food production. This report is from Jon Ironmonger:

The humble potato is in fact the world's fourth largest food crop, with a global annual yield

of around 330 million tonnes.

In an international project lasting several years, researchers have successfully recorded its

complete chemical blueprint, deciphering and organising hundreds of millions of pieces of

genetic coding.

By mapping the plant's genome scientists can locate the genes that control various traits, like

colour, starchiness and flavour, leading to the creation of improved varieties at a much

quicker pace.

Professor Iain Gordon from the James Hutton Institute in Dundee, which headed the British

team, said the genome sequence would allow breeders to develop new types that are more

nutritious, resistant to pests and diseases and easier to cultivate.

He said the breakthrough could help to meet the challenge of feeding the world's soaring

population.

Jon Ironmonger, BBC News

Words in the News

© British Broadcasting Corporation 2011

Page 2 of 2

bbclearningenglish.com

Vocabulary and definitions

humble

ordinary

food crop

collection of plants grown in large amounts cultivated for

eating

a global annual yield

total world production in a year

chemical blueprint

biological instructions

deciphering

discovering the meaning (of something)

traits

characteristics, features

starchiness

carbohydrate content

breeders

people who keep plants or animals for reproduction

breakthrough

major achievement or success that permits further progress

soaring

rapidly increasing

More on this topic:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-14096485

Read and listen to the story and the vocabulary online:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2011/07/110715_witn_potato_page.shtml