The genome sequencing of this medicinal plant provides new insights on the origin of the medicinal properties of this plant

A team of researchers from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal led by Dr Vineet K Sharma, Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, have sequenced the genome of the turmeric plant for the first time in the world.

The researchers have used two techniques – the short-read sequencing of 10x Genomics (Chromium) and long-read Oxford Nanopore sequencing – to unravel the genetic makeup of turmeric. The draft genome assembly had a size of 1.02 Gbp with ~70 per cent repetitive sequences and contained 50,401 coding gene sequences.

“Being the first elucidation of the genetic makeup of turmeric, our study has provided hitherto unknown information about the plant,” said the lead researcher. The IISER sequencing and analysis has also confirmed the triploid genetic makeup of turmeric.

The researchers have, for the first time, revealed the genetic structures associated with major enzymes involved in the production of curcuminoids, the key medicinal compounds present in turmeric.
The genome sequencing of this medicinal plant provides new insights on the origin of the medicinal properties of this plant will also aid further studies on this species, genus, and family.