Study Shows Grasses Take Genes from Other Species to Accelerate Evolution
April 28, 2021| |
Researchers from the University of Sheffield were the first to show that grasses can exchange genetic materials from other species to make them grow bigger, taller, and stronger. This natural process is called lateral gene transfer (LTG).
The study used phylogenetic approach to screen 17 species of grass and found out that LGT occurs within the 13 species and have significant amounts of variation in their DNA. Successful gene transfer occurs the highest between closely related species. Rhizomatous crops have the highest number of genes acquired from other species. Maize, wheat, rice, and barley are among the widely cultivated grass crops that demonstrated LGT.
The researchers proved that LGT is a global phenomenon in grasses which helped them acquire functional genes within the family into our popular agricultural crops and wild species alike. Harnessing this natural process could help in the development of crops that are more resistant to climate change, thus, contributing to our food security.
Read the news release on the website of The University of Sheffield and the research article in New Phytologist.
| |
You might also like:
- First Known Gene Transfer from Plant to Insect Reported
- Horizontal Gene Transfer from Biotech Rapeseed to Gut Bacteria of Bees Unlikely
- Scientists Find Horizontal Gene Transfer of No Significance
Biotech Updates is a weekly newsletter of ISAAA, a not-for-profit organization. It is distributed for free to over 22,000 subscribers worldwide to inform them about the key developments in biosciences, especially in biotechnology. Your support will help us in our mission to feed the world with knowledge. You can help by donating as little as $10.
-
See more articles:
-
News from Around the World
- Experts Raise Alarm Over Stalled Global Adoption of Biotech for Food Security
- ISAAA in 2020: Accomplishment Report
- APEC Members Tackle Developments in Biotech Regulations
- Nigeria on Track to Submit National Biosecurity Policy for Approval
- USDA Announces Deregulation Extension of Potato Developed Using Genetic Engineering
- Biofortification of Crops Vital in Achieving Food Security
- Japanese Researchers Use Menthol-Like Compound to Stimulate Plant Immune Mechanisms
- Bt Eggplant Scientist Hailed As One of Asia's Top 100 Scientists
- Study Shows Grasses Take Genes from Other Species to Accelerate Evolution
- Researchers Discover Switching Protein Protects Plants from Too Much Sunlight
-
Research Highlights
- TaDof1 Improves Nitrogen and Carbon Assimilation Under Low-Nitrogen Conditions in Wheat
-
Plant
- Scientists Urge EU to Allow New Breeding Technologies and Modern Biotech in Organic Farming to Achieve SDGs
-
Read the latest: - Biotech Updates (April 24, 2024)
- Gene Editing Supplement (April 24, 2024)
- Gene Drive Supplement (February 22, 2023)
-
Subscribe to BU: - Share
- Tweet