In the 25 April 2008 issue, Science explores how current knowledge of plant genomes is lending insights to investigations from biochemistry to ecosystems. Perspectives discuss a range of topics including plant genome structure and organization, the effects of natural variation on phenotype, and plant metabolism, while articles in the News section highlight some of the successes and challenges facing genetically modified plants. Online, an interactive feature including informational graphics, video clips, and more, as well as accompanying Web resources, explore how plant genome research is contributing to our understanding of plant biology and evolution and leading to tangible benefits for society. And ScienceCareers.org takes a look at the variety of research experiences and opportunities afforded by plant genomics.

In Science

INTRODUCTION TO SPECIAL ISSUE Green Genes  Laura M. Zahn, Pamela J. Hines, Elizabeth Pennisi, John Travis Multimedia Feature: Plant Genomes  NEWS GM Crops: A World View  Science maps where genetically modified crops are grown and imported, as well as which countries avoid them. Tough Lessons From Golden Rice  Martin Enserink Papaya Takes on Ringspot Virus and Wins  Erik Stokstad Is the Drought Over for Pharming?  Jocelyn Kaiser Uncorking the Grape Genome  John Travis A Life With Grapes  John Travis Sowing the Seeds for High-Energy Plants  Eli Kintisch PERSPECTIVES Genome-Enabled Approaches Shed New Light on Plant Metabolism  Dean DellaPenna, Robert L. Last Genomic Plasticity and the Diversity of Polyploid Plants  A. R. Leitch, I. J. Leitch Selection on Major Components of Angiosperm Genomes  Brandon S. Gaut, Jeffrey Ross-Ibarra Synteny and Collinearity in Plant Genomes  Haibao Tang, John E. Bowers, Xiyin Wang, Ray Ming, Maqsudul Alam, Andrew H. Paterson Extending Genomics to Natural Communities and Ecosystems  Thomas G. Whitham, Stephen P. DiFazio, Jennifer A. Schweitzer, Stephen M. Shuster, Gery J. Allan, Joseph K. Bailey, Scott A. Woolbright From Genotype to Phenotype: Systems Biology Meets Natural Variation  Philip N. Benfey, Thomas Mitchell-Olds

Online Extras Interactive Presentation An interactive feature, including information graphics, video interviews, text, and images, explores how advances in plant genome research are contributing to our understanding of plant biology and evolution and translating into tangible benefits for society such as improved crop varieties. Additional Web Resources Explore a collection of additional articles and interesting Web sites related to new directions in plant genome research. Also of Plant Interest in This Issue: Editorial: Seeds of a Perfect Storm Nina Fedoroff Policy Forum: Harvesting Data from Genetically Engineered Crops Michelle Marvier et al. Report: Metabolic Diversification-Independent Assembly of Operon-Like Gene Clusters in Different Plants Ben Field and Anne E. Osbourn Report: Genome-Scale Proteomics Reveals Arabidopsis thaliana Gene Models and Proteome Dynamics [Science Express] Katja Baerenfaller et al. Report: Cell Identity Mediates the Response of Arabidopsis Roots to Abiotic Stress [Science Express] José R. Dinneny et al.

In Science Careers