Why in the News?
Recently, Chinese scientists identified a key gene, Chalk9, that controls chalkiness in rice, offering a breakthrough for crop improvement.
About Chalk9 Gene in Rice:
- Overview: Chalk9 is a gene found on chromosome 9 of rice.
- Function: Encodes the enzyme E3 ubiquitin ligase, which regulates protein degradation.
- Target Protein: Acts on OsEBP89, a regulator of starch-synthesis genes Wx and SSP.
- Chalk9-L Variant: Promotes OsEBP89 degradation → prevents excess starch accumulation → results in low chalkiness and translucent grains.
- Chalk9-H Variant: Fails to degrade OsEBP89 efficiently → leads to starch buildup → high chalkiness and brittle grains.
Significance:
- Grain Quality: Chalkiness lowers milling recovery and reduces rice’s commercial value.
- Genetic Solution: Discovery of Chalk9 offers a direct genetic tool to reduce chalkiness.
- Breeding Advantage: Rice breeding programs can introduce Chalk9-L to produce premium low-chalk rice.
- Economic Impact: Improves farmer income and enhances food security.
- Consumer Preference: Meets demand for better quality, translucent rice varieties.
| [UPSC 2022] Consider the following statements: DNA Barcoding can be a tool to :
1. assess the age of a plant or animal. 2. distinguish among species that look alike. 3. identify undesirable animal or plant materials in processed foods. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Options: (a) 1 only (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 2 (d) 2 and 3* |
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