Arabidopsis

/ˌɑrəbɪˈdɑpsɪs/ noun

Definition

A small flowering plant widely used in genetic and molecular biology research; its genome was the first plant genome completely sequenced.

Etymology

From Latin 'Arabis' (rockcress plant genus) + Greek 'opsis' (appearance, resemblance). The scientific name literally means 'resembling Arabis.' The full species name is Arabidopsis thaliana.

Kelly Says

Arabidopsis thaliana became the 'laboratory mouse' of botany because it has a tiny genome, grows quickly, and produces lots of seeds. Its complete genetic sequence unlocked how plants work at a molecular level, fundamentally changing biology.

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