How DNA analysis at Kew Gardens is rewriting the history of the plant kingdom
In short: For two decades, Kew Gardens has maintained the world's largest DNA bank for wild plants. This video explores how genetic sequencing has transformed our understanding of plant evolution, revealing surprising family connections and providing a critical safety net for species facing extinction due to climate change.
Kew's DNA Bank currently preserves over 42,000 samples, covering approximately 34,000 distinct species. By mapping these genetic relationships, researchers have uncovered unexpected botanical lineages, such as the surprising evolutionary link between the papaya and the cabbage.
Beyond academic discovery, this repository serves as a vital conservation tool. It houses genetic material for plants like the St Helena olive, which is now considered extinct in the wild. Professors Mark Chase and Dave Simpson explain how this work aids in protecting vulnerable habitats and revolutionizes our grasp of plant taxonomy.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Kew Gardens - 20 years of ground-breaking DNA research at Kew
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