
Genetic Basis of Cyanide Defense in Clover
October 5, 2007 |
Scientists from the Washington University are trying to get to the bottom of cyanogenesis (release of hydrogen cyanide following tissue damage) in white clover. White clover is native to Europe and Asia and was introduced some 300 years ago in North America. They want to determine why some plants do and some plants don’t make cyanide –known as polymorphism, or two types. The ecological factors favoring cyanogenic and acyanogenic plants, common in regions with low temperature, have been the subject of numerous studies. The genetic basis of this polymorphism is finally revealed.
The researchers found that cyanogenesis in clover is controlled by two genes. The gene Ac is known to control the actual levels of cyanide and another gene, Li is responsible for linamarase, the enzyme needed for its release. The cyanide inside the cell is the inactive form, basically with a sugar molecule attached to it. Linamarase, on the other hand is localized in the cell wall. Upon cell damage, like herbivore attack, the two compounds will come into contact causing the release of activated cyanide. Plants that do not synthesize linamarase lack the Li gene altogether, unlike most genes, where there are variable forms.
Read more at http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-294X.2007.03506.x or http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1365-294X.2007.03506.x
|
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
- Proposed CODEX Annex to Assess Safety of Low-Level GM Plant Materials
- New Maize Varieties Resistant to the Large Grain Borer
- Eastern and Central African Countries Join WARDA
- APEC Biotech Group Drafts Best Practices Guide on Influencing Biotech Perception
- Gene from Bottlegourd May Help Control Watermelon Virus
- WSU Seeking Patent on Root Rot-Resistant Wheat
- Turning Tobacco Plants into Anti-Bacterial Protein BioFactories
- Brazilian Scientists Search for Bananas with Reduced Need for Pesticides
- RP to Conduct Bt Cotton Greenhouse Trial Before 2007 Ends
- India Lifts Ban on GM Edible Oil Import
- FSANZ Seeks Public Comment on Food Code Changes
- Philippines to Invest in Hybrid Rice
- Jatropha curcas as Biofuels Feedstock in Vietnam
- Regeneration of Pruatjan by In Vitro Technique
- BASF Plant Science and CFGC Sign Research Agreement
- D1 Oils and KeyGene to Collaborate on Jatropha Research
- Genes that Modify Plant Color May Help in the Fight Against Cancer
- EFSA: Scientific Panel's Opinion on Syngenta's GMO Corn Application
-
Research Highlights
- Genetic Basis of Cyanide Defense in Clover
- MeSA is the Compound that Triggers Plant Immune Response
- GM False Flax as a Potential Oilseed Crop
-
Announcements
- CBU Articles Now Available for Sending to Friends
- ISAAA-produced Biotech Videos Awarded in International Agrofilm Festival
- The Asia Biodiesel Industry 2007: Opportunities, Challenges and Growth Conference
- Seminar on the Development of GM Rice in India and China
- Innovative Technology for Food Processing Seminar in Indonesia
-
Read the latest: - Biotech Updates (February 5, 2025)
- Gene Editing Supplement (January 30, 2025)
- Gene Drive Supplement (February 22, 2023)
-
Subscribe to BU: - Share
- Tweet