Restore precious genes from wild wheat

US and Israeli scientists have cloned a wild wheat gene called GPC-B1, which is thought to work to increase protein, iron and zinc in grains.

(Photo: spotlightingnews) According to researchers, this discovery could help millions of children around the world escape from nutrient deficiencies. " Wheat is one of the world's staple food crops, providing about a fifth of human consumption, so increasing a small amount of the nutritional value of wheat can also help. reduced protein and micronutrient deficiency , said Prof. Jorge Dubcovsky, University of California, lead researcher.

Researchers have determined that the GPC - B1 gene, which promotes wheat growth and increases 10-15% of protein and micronutrients in many wheat types. Of all wheat analyzed so far, no gene has the same function as GPC-B1. This gene is thought to have been lost during human domestication of wheat.

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