Research on model and crop plants

Researchers use a model plant to gain new findings representative of a large group of organisms and fundamental biological processes. In plant research there are several such model plants. For example, scientists often use the Japanese bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus japonicus) as a representative of legumes.

Model plants have a number of characteristics that make them ideal for research. They are generally easy to cultivate, require little space in a greenhouse due to their small size, have a short generation time of just a few weeks and produce many offspring. They also often have a fully sequenced and compact genome, which can be easily modified using genetic engineering methods.

The microphotographs in this exhibition are taken from plant cells of the model and crop plants shown here.

Japanese bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus japonicus)

The Japanese bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus japonicus) belongs to the legume family (Fabaceae). Due to its relatively small genome size and its short life cycle, it has become a model plant for genome studies on legumes.

Nicotiana benthamiana

Nicotiana benthamiana is a close relative of cultivated tobacco. Two characteristics make the tobacco plant particularly interesting as a model organism: Firstly, it grows fast and adapts well to laboratory conditions. Secondly, these plants can be easily genetically manipulated.

Barley (Hordeum vulgare)

Barley (Hordeum vulgare) belongs to the grass family (Poaceae). Alongside maize, rice and wheat, cultivated barley is one of the most important cereals. Around 145.6 million tonnes are harvested worldwide every year. Due to its close relationship with the more complex wheat, it is often used as an experimental model organism in plant genetics.

Thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana)

Thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana) is also known as mouse-ear cress and belongs to the large family of cruciferous plants (Brassicaceae). Due to its small genome, short generation cycle and simple growing conditions, it is an important model plant for plant research.