MAX FACTS
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Controlling Mother
Scientists at the University of Texas in Austin recently discovered that
seed size is controlled by small interfering RNA molecules (or, siRNA)
inherited from a plant’s mother.
The siRNAs influence the development of a seed’s endosperm, which
is the part of the seed that provides nutrients to the developing plant
embryo, much like the placenta in mammals. The endosperm is also
the source for most of the nutritional content of the seed for humans
and animals. Those maternal siRNAs decrease the expression of genes
that lead to larger endosperm growth, meaning that the siRNAs create smaller seeds.
The researchers are working to find out how exactly siRNAs regulate
gene expression in the endosperm and embryo and how they control
seed size. These new findings will enable scientists to develop biotechnological tools for improving seed production and crop yield.
(Source: sciencedaily.com)
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