PLANT GENETICS

May 15 2025SCIENCE

The Mango Genes That Control Flowering and Stress Resistance

The mango tree has two special genes called MiCOL13A and MiCOL13B. These genes are part of a bigger family that helps plants know when to bloom based on the length of the day. They also help plants deal with tough conditions like salt and drought. These genes were found in a specific type of mango called Guire 82. Scientists found that these genes follow a daily cycl...

reading time about 2 minutes
Feb 01 2025SCIENCE

Unraveling the Mystery of Plant Telomeres: A Deep Look at Evolution.

So, you know how the ends of your shoelaces don't untangle easily? Telomeres are like the protective caps on the ends of plant chromosomes. These caps keep the genome stable, which is super important for the plant's health. To do this job, telomerase comes into play, a fancy word for an enzyme complex made of proteins and RNA that builds telomeric DNA. The RNA part o...

reading time about 2 minutes
Dec 27 2024SCIENCE

Wheat Gets a Boost: Discovering a Powerful Grass' Secret to Stress Resistance

Scientists have found a hidden superpower in a type of grass called Thinopyrum. This grass can help wheat plants tough it out against rust diseases, drought, and still keep their yields steady. The key is a special swap between two parts of the grass' DNA. This swap, called a chromosome translocation, is what gives the grass its super strength. The grass, Agropyron ...

reading time about 1 minute