The Science of Genetics

Characteristics of  Organisms Used for Genetic Studies

6. Maize

• best mapped plant species
• many mutants are available that control seed traits
• well-defined cytogenetic system
• transposable elements well understood and can be used to clone genes
• matings tedious, but produce many (hundreds) of progeny
• only three generations per year
• cannot be easily genetically engineered
• not well funded