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Abstract
In this review we summarize recent advances in our understanding of phylogenetics,
polyploidization and comparative genomics in the family Brassicaceae. These findings
pave the way for a unified comparative genomic framework. We integrate several of
these findings into a simple system of 24 conserved chromosomal blocks (labeled A-X).
The naming, order, orientation and color-coding of these blocks are based on their
positions in a proposed ancestral karyotype (n=8), rather than by their position in
the reduced genome of Arabidopsis thaliana (n=5). We show how these crucifer building
blocks can be rearranged to model the genome structures of A. thaliana, Arabidopsis
lyrata, Capsella rubella and Brassica rapa. A framework for comparison between species
is timely because several crucifer genome-sequencing projects are underway.