Gene for Amylose Synthesis Identified
March 11, 2015 |
Starch is one of the important products in photosynthesis. It is also used in textile and paper industries. Despite its various uses, its formation is yet to be understood. Hence, a group of researchers from ETH Zurich conducted a study to understand how starch is produced.
The researchers examined the photosynthesis process, specifically the amylose formation taking place in Arabidopsis thaliana. The only known enzyme necessary for amylose formation is granular-bound starch synthase (GBSS).
Their findings have led to the discovery of Protein Targeting to Starch (PTST), a vital molecule in amylose synthesis. Further tests on mutant A. thaliana without PTST resulted in the absence of amylase while the GBSS was hardly detectable. This result suggests that PTST functions in transporting GBSS to the starch granules and makes GBSS more stable.
|
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
- UN Leaders: Women Farmers Key to Achieving Food and Nutrition Security
- GM Soybean Oil Identical to Conventional Soybean Oil
- Researcher Develops Strategy to Improve Crops and Treat Diseases
- Scientists Promote Production of Enzyme for Plant Growth
- Developing Cesium Tolerance in Plants
- MSU Prof Highlights Genomics Application in Agri
- Gene for Amylose Synthesis Identified
- Researchers Report Climate Change Influence on Food Safety
- S&T Committee Urges Change to EU Rules for GM Crops
-
Research Highlights
- Arabidopsis PLAT-Domain Protein1 Promotes Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Tobacco
- OeAOX2 gene Linked to Rooting Ability of Olive Cuttings
- Overexpression of RCH10 chitinase Gene in Lilium Confers Resistance to Botrytis cinerea
-
Beyond Crop Biotech
- Mobile Gamers to Help Find Cure for Cancer
-
Announcements
- The Plant Genomics Congress (Asia)
- 7th Asia Pacific Biotech Congress
-
Read the latest: - Biotech Updates (January 15, 2025)
- Gene Editing Supplement (January 15, 2025)
- Gene Drive Supplement (February 22, 2023)
-
Subscribe to BU: - Share
- Tweet