Repurposing genome skimming data for non-model plant functional phylogenetics: A case study in Rhodiola.
Scientists used low-cost 'genome skimming' DNA sequencing to study how the medicinal alpine plant roseroot (Rhodiola) evolved the genes responsible for making salidroside, a compound valued for stress-relief properties. They found that a small set of key biosynthesis genes are under strong evolutionary pressure to stay unchanged, and that climate factors like temperature swings and rainfall patterns have shaped...
