Published in Probe Volume 2(2): Summer 1992
John Imsande, Professor
Department of Agronomy
Iowa State University
Ames, IA
Soybean production contributes approximately $10 billion annually to the U.S. economy. Currently, the most desirable attributes of the soybean seed are its high contents of protein and oil. A better understanding of the genetics of soybean may allow not only for increased seed production but also for increased protein content and a more desirable oil content.
Biochemical Pathways
The genetics of an organism is reflected in its physiology. As complex as physiological traits are, they can be broken down into discrete biochemical pathways and discrete biochemical reactions. Drs. John Imsande, Iowa State University, and Tom Cheesbrough, South Dakota State University, are working with USDA's Plant Genome Office to develop a prototype database of plant biochemical pathways.
Part of "Soybase"
Imsande is developing a database for nitrogen uptake, assimilation, metabolism, and utilization; Cheesbrough is developing a database for lipid metabolism. Upon completion, the biochemical pathways database will become part of "Soybase," the prototype genome database being developed for soybean.
The scientists are compiling data on enzymes, reactions, reactants, products, optimal physiological conditions, genetic regulation, physical properties, genotypic source, availability of mutants in pathways, and many other types of information. Working together, they are developing a structural design for entering data that will be adaptable to almost any biochemical pathway.
Data Review
Once the prototype data structure is assembled and data have been collected from the literature and entered into the database, Imsande and Cheesbrough will contact experts in each topic area to review the data for accuracy and completeness.
For further information concerning the design and development of the plant biochemical pathways database, please contact:
Dr. John Imsande
Dept. of Agronomy
Iowa State University
(515) 294-2505
Dr. Tom Cheesbrough
Biology/Microbiology Dept.
South Dakota State University
(605) 688-5504