Biotech Updates

Gene Found to Lower Apple Acidity

March 30, 2007

A gene called Mal-DDNA was found to be differentially expressed in apples with different acidity. Previously, almost nothing is known about apple fruit acidity at the molecular level.

The report from a group of researchers in the Shandong Agricultural University and the Liaoning Institute of Fruit Tree Science in China, describes the successful screening of Mal-DDNA by bulk segregant analysis. Using real-time PCR analysis, Mal-DDNA was found to be transcribed in low-acid fruits at both early and ripe stages of hybrids from ‘Toki’ and ‘Fuji’ apple varieties. There was no observed transcription in high- and mid-acid fruits.The difference between low and mid to high acid fruits on Mal-DDNA transcripts was determined by RNA gel-blot hybridization. The researchers suggest that the gene exists as a single copy, as determined by Southern blot.

For the abstract, with links to the full paper, please visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.plaphy.2007.01.010.