Biomics

Knockout CRISPR/Cas editing of plant genomes can be used both in model experiments aimed at the development of this technology, and in introducing targeted mutations to create plants s with new traits. Possibility to obtain information about the editing event in a quick and easy way accelerates getting the desired results. Organoleptic control of changes in the genome can indirectly serve this purpose by allowing visual or olfactic assessment. This can be achieved through a knockout of the phytoendesaturase gene, which causes albinism in plants, and the betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (BADH2) gene, which leads to a change in the metabolism of γ aminobutyric aldehyde and the synthesis of 2 acetyl-1-pyrroline, characterized by a strong aroma reminiscent of popcorn. The history of studying the BADH2 gene begins with the aromatic rice Oryza sativa of the basmati variety, which carries a natural mutation in this gene and thereby accumulates 2 acetyl-1-pyrroline. The BADH2 gene, characterized by high evolutionary conservatism, has been also sequenced in several plant species from different families. A number of gene edited crops have been produced by knockout of the BADH2 gene, including sorghum, peanuts, rapeseed, rice, and soybeans. In some cases, CRISPR/Cas knockout editing can be performed without inserting foreign DNA into the genome, thereby mimicking naturally occuring mutations. According to the laws of some countries, such plants are not considered GMOs.

CRISPR/Cas editing, rice, plants, betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase 2, BADH2, odor, fragrance, 2 acetyl 1 pyrroline

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