Biotech Updates

Japanese Scientists Sheds Light on Genetics of Rice Metabolism

February 10, 2012

Scientists at the RIKEN Plant Science Center in Japan conducted a large-scale study to analyze the metabolic compounds in rice grains using advanced mass spectroscopy pipelines they have developed. The team was able to identify 131 rice metabolites including amino acids, lipids, and flavonoids. They also found out that the levels of the metabolites are influenced mainly by environmental factors. Their findings could be used to bioengineer rice varieties by selectively increasing the production of specific metabolites, and thus boost the nutritional value of the crop.

Read more details at http://www.riken.jp/engn/r-world/info/release/press/2012/120208_2/index.html.