Sequencing of the poplar tree genome is almost underway, making history as the first possible genome sequencing of a tree.

The sequence will map out each gene in the poplar tree genome.

The Joint Genome Institute, which is also working on the human genome project, will sequence the poplar tree genome.

John Carlson, associate professor of molecular genetics, is a part of the effort to sequence the genome.

"The idea is to know the structure of all the genes in poplar so scientists can study how the genome functions and how different genes are involved in the growth," Carlson said.

"We really didn't anticipate this would happen until the Department of Energy approached us," Carlson said. The Department of Energy could spend as much as $25 million on the project, he said.

The poplar tree will be the third plant species for which the entire genome will be sequenced.

Only the rice plant and arabidopsis, a tiny mustard weed have been sequenced, Carlson said.

"It's the first tree to be fully sequenced and probably at least for the next few years will be the only," said Toby Bradshaw a research associate professor at the Unviersity of Washington, who is also involved with the sequencing.

Bradshaw explained due to recent technology, many genes can be sequenced simultaneously, and the process takes less time.

Carlson said once the project has begun, it might be completed within four months.

"Five years ago this would have taken years of effort and work," Bradshaw said.

"It's unimaginable that we're able to sequence it," Bradshaw said. "A year ago if someone would have told me I would have laughed in their face."

Gerald Tuskan, who works for the Department of Energy at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee, is also involved in the project. He said the Department of Energy had interest in the poplar tree for some time.

"Once the sequence is in hand, we can begin looking at modifying, changing or manipulating the way the tree grows both physically and chemically," Tuskan said.

Tuskan said the poplar tree was chosen for its ability to remove contaminants in soil, such as toxic wastes the tree can degrade.

The poplar tree, like all plants, removes and helps to manage carbon in the atmosphere.

The poplar tree was also chosen for its bio-based products.

It is used extensively in the United States for making paper, Carlson said.

Once the genome is known, Carlson explained alterations could potentially be made to the tree.

Mutants of the poplar tree could be created that would be better for paper production, Carlson said.

In addition, they could also aid the removal of contaminants in sites and even be used for fuel.

"Poplar and willow are already used in northern Europe for energy," Carlson said.

It could be possible to change the way the tree's architecture and looks, Tuskan explained.

The insect and disease resistance of the poplar tree could also be altered with the genome sequencing.

The poplar tree was also a good choice because for a plant, it has a relatively small genome, Tuskan said.

The poplar tree completes its life cycle quickly, as compared to trees like redwoods.

The sequencing of the poplar tree is scheduled to begin in April.