Asparagine Synthetase 1 is Responsible for the Synthesis of Asparagine in Rice Roots
April 29, 2015| |
Asparagine is synthesized by asparagine synthetase (AS) and is the major nitrogen form in both xylem and phloem sap in rice (Oryza sativa L.). There are two genes encoding AS in rice, OsAS1 and OsAS2. However, the functions of individual AS genes are unknown. Tomoyuki Yamaya from the Tohoku University in Japan studied the individual functions of the two genes.
OsAS1 was found to be mainly expressed in roots while OsAS2 was abundant in leaf blades and sheaths of rice. Although OsAS2 was also detectable in the roots, its content decreased when ammonium was supplied. Mutants lacking AS1 showed slight stimulation of shoot length and a slight reduction in root length at the seedling stage. However, the mutation caused an approximately 80–90% reduction in free asparagine content in both roots and xylem sap.
These results suggest that AS1 is responsible for the synthesis of asparagine in rice roots following the supply of ammonium.
For more information of the study, read the full article on Oxford Journals.
| |
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
- CBD Report Discusses Potential Impact of Synthetic Biology on Biodiversity
- WTO and FAO Reinforces Agreements on Trade and Food Security
- Ammonium Transporter Keeps Plant-Fungal Exchange Going
- Estimation of Benefit Cost Ratio of Bt Cotton Farmers in Pakistan
- PARC Introduces 11 High-Yielding Rice Varieties
- ISAAA Releases Report on Biotech Cotton in India
- Developing Better Wheat Based on its 100 Year Yield Data
- Scientists Identify Proteins for Rubber Production
- EU Approves GM Products
- Scientists Explain Why People are Drawn to Oppose GMOs
-
Research Highlights
- Host Induced Gene Silencing Aids in Developing Aflatoxin Resistant Maize
- Asparagine Synthetase 1 is Responsible for the Synthesis of Asparagine in Rice Roots
-
Beyond Crop Biotech
- Researchers Discover Gene that Controls Cocoa Butter's Melting Point
- Making Biotechnology Interactive
-
From the BICs
- Biotechnology Showcased at a Cultural Expo in Uganda
-
Read the latest: - Biotech Updates (April 30, 2025)
- Gene Editing Supplement (April 30, 2025)
- Gene Drive Supplement (February 22, 2023)
-
Subscribe to BU: - Share
- Tweet