RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 The Douglas-Fir Genome Sequence Reveals Specialization of the Photosynthetic Apparatus in Pinaceae JF G3: Genes|Genomes|Genetics FD Genetics Society of America SP 3157 OP 3167 DO 10.1534/g3.117.300078 VO 7 IS 9 A1 Neale, David B. A1 McGuire, Patrick E. A1 Wheeler, Nicholas C. A1 Stevens, Kristian A. A1 Crepeau, Marc W. A1 Cardeno, Charis A1 Zimin, Aleksey V. A1 Puiu, Daniela A1 Pertea, Geo M. A1 Sezen, U. Uzay A1 Casola, Claudio A1 Koralewski, Tomasz E. A1 Paul, Robin A1 Gonzalez-Ibeas, Daniel A1 Zaman, Sumaira A1 Cronn, Richard A1 Yandell, Mark A1 Holt, Carson A1 Langley, Charles H. A1 Yorke, James A. A1 Salzberg, Steven L. A1 Wegrzyn, Jill L. YR 2017 UL http://www.g3journal.org/content/7/9/3157.abstract AB A reference genome sequence for Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii (Mirb.) Franco (Coastal Douglas-fir) is reported, thus providing a reference sequence for a third genus of the family Pinaceae. The contiguity and quality of the genome assembly far exceeds that of other conifer reference genome sequences (contig N50 = 44,136 bp and scaffold N50 = 340,704 bp). Incremental improvements in sequencing and assembly technologies are in part responsible for the higher quality reference genome, but it may also be due to a slightly lower exact repeat content in Douglas-fir vs. pine and spruce. Comparative genome annotation with angiosperm species reveals gene-family expansion and contraction in Douglas-fir and other conifers which may account for some of the major morphological and physiological differences between the two major plant groups. Notable differences in the size of the NDH-complex gene family and genes underlying the functional basis of shade tolerance/intolerance were observed. This reference genome sequence not only provides an important resource for Douglas-fir breeders and geneticists but also sheds additional light on the evolutionary processes that have led to the divergence of modern angiosperms from the more ancient gymnosperms.