Corn is an essential backbone to the products our society produces every day, being in just about everything from food to fuel, and packaging. However, growing climate challenges mean that today's crops must be productive and resilient. A new study by the University of Michigan may be helping farmers do just that.
Led by biologist Alexandre Marand, researchers analyzed DNA from nearly 200 maize varieties, focusing not just on the genes themselves but also on how individual cells utilize them. While every cell shares the same genetic code, different cells activate or deactivate genes in unique ways, influencing how a plant grows, withstands stress, and adapts to its environment. The key takeaway here is that the most significant traits arise from changes in gene regulation rather than merely the genetic sequence. This shift in understanding enables scientists to predict how genetic modifications might enhance crop performance or lead to unintended consequences. It’s like knowing how a car operates, not just the components it contains. By mapping gene activity at the cellular level, researchers can now develop corn that is better suited to various climates and growing conditions. The future of farming could be more precise and productive, thanks to breakthroughs like this.
Sources:
https://phys.org/news/2025-04-omics-discoveries-corn-genetics-productive.html
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ads6601
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