Scientists discover gene to reduce chalkiness and breakage in rice grains
Scientists from Yangzhou University in China have identified a gene, Chalk9, that controls chalkiness in rice, a trait that increases grain breakage during milling. Less chalky varieties showed higher expression of Chalk9 in endosperms. The Chalk9 gene, activated by the OsB3 transcription factor, encodes an E3 ubiquitin ligase protein. This protein tags and destroys OsEBP89, a 'power switch' that turns on genes (like Wx for amylose and SSP for starch storage) responsible for chalkiness. By modifying Chalk9, OsEBP89 can escape tagging, leading to less chalky rice. This discovery allows breeders to introduce Chalk9-L, the low chalkiness version, into rice varieties to improve grain quality.
Key Points
- Researchers have identified the Chalk9 gene, which plays a crucial role in controlling chalkiness in rice grains.
- Chalkiness is an undesirable trait that leads to increased breakage of rice grains during the milling process.
- The Chalk9 gene, activated by the OsB3 transcription factor, produces a protein that tags and destroys OsEBP89, a protein regulating other genes responsible for chalkiness.
- Modifying the Chalk9 gene can prevent the destruction of OsEBP89, leading to less chalky and more robust rice grains.
- This discovery enables breeders to introduce the Chalk9-L version into rice varieties to enhance grain quality and reduce breakage.
Exam Facts
- The research was conducted by a team from the Agricultural College of Yangzhou University in China.
- The identified gene is named Chalk9.
- Chalk9 encodes an E3 ubiquitin ligase protein.
- The protein OsEBP89 acts as a 'power switch' for genes like Wx (amylose) and SSP (starch storage).
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