Synthetic biogenesis of chromoplasts from leaf chloroplasts (bioRxiv)
Plant Science Research WeeklyChromoplasts are a type of plastid, usually found in fruits and flowers, that can accumulate large amounts of carotenoids including beta-carotene (pro-vitamin A). It has been proposed that increasing chromoplast formation could be a way to enhance human consumption of vitamin A. In a new report, Llorente…
Compositional analysis of genetically engineered GR2E “Golden Rice” (J. Agric. Food Chem.)
Plant Science Research WeeklyIn Southeast Asian countries, rice accounts for two-thirds of the caloric intake for many people. This narrow dietary base is often correlated with vitamin A deficiency, which can cause blindness, anemia and weakened immunity. In an effort to enhance vitamin A consumption, rice has been engineered to…
Review: The challenges of delivering genetically modified crops with nutritional enhancement traits (Nature Plants) ($)
Plant Science Research WeeklyDespite the widespread success of genetically modified (GM) crops resistant to herbicides and insect herbivory, GM food crops with nutritional enhancement traits remain on the fringes of commercial agriculture. In this review, Napier et al. examine the current state of GM food crops and the obstacles…