Vitamin E discovery in maize could lead to more nutritious
crop
Scientists have recently discovered new genes that control
vitamin E content in maize grain.
This discovery
was done over multiple genetic association analyses.
They were able to identify 14 genes across
the genome that were associated with the synthesis of vitamin E.
Six genes were found to encode proteins for a
class of antioxidant compounds called tochochromanols or vitamin E.
Tocochromanols are found to help with heart
health in humans and proper functioning in plants.
With this new discovery, scientists can focus
on the specific genes associated with vitamin E to help increase vitamin E
content in maize.
It was also mentioned
that provitamin A could simultaneously increase vitamin E as the two are
related biochemically.
This discovery
could lead to improving the nutritional value of maize and improve the health
of people around the world.
This discovery
is very important as it affects people all over as corn is such a staple
crop.
Making corn more nutritious would
be great as it is an inexpensive food that is available in many regions of the
world.
I think that focusing on the 14
genes that are associated with the antioxidant could really help the world of
agriculture in making it more productive and efficient in terms of health.
Vitamin E offers many benefits to humans as
found in the second link.
I agree! This discovery might help people all over because corn is the largest cash crop in the world. The increased nutrition of corn could lead to dietary benefits for individuals that might not have a huge variety of food.
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