Randy C. Shoemaker
USDA ARS, Iowa State University
Jessica A. Schlueter
Department of Zoology and Genetics, Iowa State University
Perry Cregan
USDA ARS Soybean Genomics and Improvement Laboratory
Lila Vodkin
Department of Crop Science, University of Illinois

The soybean is a major world source of edible oil and high-qual- ity protein. It has an interesting and complex genome structure. It has a rich repertoire of genomic tools and resources that include a vast expressed sequence tag (EST) collection, a densely populated genetic map, a developing physical map, microarray resources, and an efficient transformation system. It also has a large and active research community. The array of resources available would be improved with a finished physical map and a better understanding of the gene space and chromo- somal topography of the species. Still, the soybean is clearly the model crop legume.

Key words: Biotechnology, genetics, genome, Glycine max, legume, model crop.