Genomics, DNA chips and a revolution in plant biology

The article gives an overview of current research on plant genomics. We beg in with a brief account of the major techniques developed for the Human Gen ome Project such as preparation of RFLP maps, making of cosmid and YAC (lat er also BAC and PAC) libraries, construction of contigs and finally sequenc ing such as by use of M13 vectors and use of modern machines and advanced c omputers. We then introduce to the reader the more recent work with Arabido psis and rice genomes utilizing the various basic techniques. The article e nds with a brief account of the new DNA microchip technology, whereby one c an simultaneously monitor expression of hundreds and thousands of genes. Mi crochips thus are the hub of a new revolution in functional genomics.