Genomic and cytogenetic characterization of phaseolus and glycine

Science is currently entering the genome era, where genome sequencing has become routine, rapid, and accessible. Unfortunately, genomes are complex entities exhibiting numerous evolutionary repeats, which are difficult to sequence, and myriad structural variations that are not represented in a single genome sequence. These phenomena lead to the hypothesis that genome structure, specifically repetitive elements, can cause problems, like gaps or misassemblies, in the genome sequence and limit the genetic improvement of a species. This study characterizes repetitive DNA sequences in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and other Phaseolus species over evolution of the entire genus as well as analyze tools to improve the genome sequence and identify structural variation in soybean ( Glycine max). This thesis will show that even though genome structure can create many problems for the genome era, these problems can be combatted with newer technologies