The SWEET (sugars will be eventually exported transporters) family plays important roles in various biological processes, such as plant growth, development, and response to environmental conditions. Chu Duc Ha and colleagues performed a comprehensive search of the cassava genome, leading to the identification of 28 members of MeSWEET gene family. These genes were distributed in 13 chromosomes out of 18 ones in cassava. Most of MeSWEET genes had 6 exons, and this exon/intron organization was also previously found in other plant species. The isoelectric point and prediction using TargetP suggested that a majority of MeSWEET may be distributed on the secretory pathway. 

The results of the study provide insights on SWEET gene family in cassava, thus serve as a basis for further functional research of such genes.

For more information, read the article in Vietnamese in the Journal of Science.