Purple Rice To Help Protect Against Diseases

In an article published by Seeker, Rice was genetically engineered by biologists from the South China Agriculture University in order to produce an antioxidant-rich pigment called anthocyanin. The pigment was instilled through the endosperm of the rice by "gene stacking." Since black rice already contains anthocyanin, it would be more convenient for the pigment to be infused in white rice since it is more commonly eaten. In doing so, genetically engineering this type of rice, would vastly progress in delivering the essential antioxidants that fight off illnesses (i.e. diabetes, chronic disorders, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases). Scientists, like Yao-Guang Liu, senior author, have found the correct combination that was needed to play a role in altering the genes. Although, stated in the article, more studies need to me made in order to completely verify that the rice is safe to consume. The reason being could either for its unique color or because of the publics concern it is genetically modified. 

A single gene influences petunia pollinators

An international research team has discovered the mutations of the MYB-FL gene and the role it plays of floral UV absorbance and coloration in petunias. The MYB-FL gene is a single gene that accounts for the attraction of nocturnal pollinators. The variation of the gene allows for the fluctuations of Flavonol and anthocyanin. Flavonol controls the dimming or stimulation of the UV light intensity while anthocyanin is a pigment compound that controls flower color. 

            The mutation of the MYB-FL gene could mean the difference between which insect/animal pollinates the plant’s flower. Researchers found UV and pigment differences among three different petunia flowers correspond to differences in their pollinators. Some nocturnal moths had tended to draw near flowers with much UV absorption, such as the white flowers of P. axillaris. Bees enjoy the small, purple flowers of P. inflata. In the daytime, hummingbirds visit the bright red flower P. exserta that absorbs much less UV light.

            It was interesting to read how plants can pick their pollinators. Each petunia was different in their means of UV absorption and coloration. This, of course, depended upon the accumulation of flavonoid pigments in the plants. The P. exserta, for instance, primarily attracts hummingbirds. This bright red flower draws the bird to its stigmas and stamens for pollination.