Background on RescueMu Phenotype Data In MaizeGDB

This phenotype database is part of the 1998-2003 NSF project Maize Gene Discovery, DNA Sequencing, and Phenotypic Analysis. In addition to EST sequencing and Microarray Production, the project employs a modified transposon RescueMu for gene discovery. Plants containing RescueMu are planted in grids of 48 x 48 plants (48 rows by 48 columns) each. Leaf tissue from all plants in a row or column are pooled and RescueMu elements are recovered via plasmid rescue. For more detailed information, please see our Introduction to RescueMu tagging. DNA flanking RescueMu elements was sequenced at Stanford University and is available at MaizeGDB and Genbank. RMu libraries containing RMu plasmids from each Grid are amplified and are available through MaizeGDB.

In addition to the sequence information and libraries, phenotype information from the RescueMu Grids have been recorded. Progress of this phenotype screening and mutation rates are reported in the Grid Summary. Please note, since our Grids also contain native Mu elements, phenotypes are not necessarily caused by RMu insertions (Library Plates . Observed Phenotypes).

Seed and Ear Phenotypes are primarily scored by Maize Genetics Cooperation . Stock Center, with some additional screening by team members at UC San Diego.

Seedling Phenotypes are screened by Mike Freeling of UC Berkeley and are also observed during adult growouts.

Adult Phenotypes screens are typically planted by the Maize Genetics Cooperation . Stock Center in Illinois and are screened by a large number of researchers (except for Grid A.)

Return to the RescueMu Phenotype index
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Last updated 3:40 pm, Dec 05, 2003.