Unlocking a genome

Unlocking a genome Long before we had wheat we domesticated einkorn, a grain variety which is one of the ancestors of our current bread wheat. There are both domesticated as wild einkorn variants. Moreover, this grain has a high disease resistance. And it has in contrast to the sextuple genome of wheat, a diploid genome.Continue reading “Unlocking a genome”

Scattering

Scattering Scattering or non-scattering of seeds is on of the differences between wild and domesticated plants. Non-scattering makes harvesting crops a lot easier. Not surprising researchers like to know the workings of this scattering process. As well as its responsible genes. For grasses, like wheat and rice, lots is known about the mechanical aspects ofContinue reading “Scattering”

Analog or digital

Analog or digital Often, I speak over gene on/off switches. About proteins that enable a gene to be read either more or less often. These gene on/off switches enable an analog regulation of their genes. In addition, a cell has a system to regulate a gene in a more digital manner, having a gene eitherContinue reading “Analog or digital”

Stopping with division

Stopping with division A leaf consists out of multiple cell types. Not only is the inside, but the outside also has multiple cell types. Like trichomes and stomata. In addition, there are the so-called pavement cells, these cells cover the majority of the surface of the leaf. Under the microscope these pavement cells look likeContinue reading “Stopping with division”