Resurrected Plant Yields Genetic Clues to Drought Stress

A newly discovered gene that regulates lipid synthesis in plants, appears to play a role in embryo development and drought stress. Researchers at Purdue University made the discovery in a plant with a mutated version of the gene. While the gene does not play a direct role in embryo formation, it regulates the production of waxy lipids, which are important in preventing dehydration in developing plant tissues.

A plant that is unable to produce sufficient lipids cannot develop healthy embryos and will abort many or all of its seeds. Researchers hope the findings will lead to the development of crops that retain more of their fruit and seeds.

Link: Newly recognized gene mutation may reduce seeds, resurrect plants a Purdue University news release

Posted by Eric La Fountaine at 10:57 AM on November 24, 2005

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