genomics and the world of wine. its a monolith moment we are at the beginning of a revolution that...
TRANSCRIPT
Genomics and the world of
wine
It’s a
Monolith Moment
We are at the beginning of a revolution that will change
everything…
What is a genome?
All of the DNA in an organism
Organized in Genes and Chromosomes
Determines traits and functions
An historical archive
The code of life
About DNA
Constructed of 4 chemicals A-T-C-G
Combine in pairs: creates a language
The language of computers 1-0
Human Genome consists of 3.2 Billion base pairs
Converted to binary our code is smaller than Microsoft Office!
Genomic Factoids
Human, Mouse, and Pinot Noir all have about 30,000 genes
Human has 3.2 Billion base pairs vs. Pinot Noir’s 500,000
All humans are 99.9% genetically identical
Genome size does not correlate with evolutionary status, nor is the number of genes proportionate with genome size
We can now read genomes
First Human Genome JC Venter: $3B/10 years
Second Human Genome: James Watson$2M/2 Months
Coming Soon: $5K/1 hour
You will carry your Genome in your wallet
We can now read genomes
What can we do with Genomes?
Learn the history of an organism
Understand functionality
Learn what “goes wrong”
Correct problems
Build better organisms
Harness Nature’s “toolbox”
We are now writing genomes
Mycoplasma genetalium
But there is an ecosystem
No organism is alone
Approximately 10lbs of microbes in your body right now
The world Ocean’s teaming with a microbial universe
Microbial life found in every corner of the planet
Microbes in root systems of plants have profound impact on their function
December 2007 Pinot Noir (Vitus Vinifera’s) Genome is Sequenced
29,000 Genes identified
Pathways discovered for flavor components
2X more discovered contribute to aroma
Areas of vulnerability to disease identified
So what next?
“Franken-Noir?”
We could build a better Vinifera
Evolve disease resistance
Design for higher yields
Expand the climate window
Produce better flavors and aromas
It can and will be done…
Root systemWorking the ecosystem
Microbes in the root system have major impact on the character of fruit
Many diverse microbial colonies
Microbes ingest organics and excrete various compounds
Compounds transported into plant via water
These nutrients stimulate metabolic pathways
Character, flavor and aroma produced
We can scientifically
characterize
“TERRIOR”
Sample Sequence Correlate Fertilize
Are we playing God?
It’s 100% Organic
Nature provides an extensive toolbox
There is also a set of “cosmic” rules
Humans HAVE been using the toolbox…
While still learning the rules
If we could:
Cure all disease
End hunger
Provide plentiful clean energy
Restore CO2 levels
Make better wine
Would we?
It is the next step in
Humankind’s evolution