Genetic variation in transcriptional regulation of wheat seed starch content and its conversion to bioethanol

Genetic variation in starch accumulation during seed filling is closely associated with modulations in the expression patterns of specific starch biosynthesis genes includingTaAGPL1,TaAGPS2,TaGBSSI,TaSSI,TaSSIV,TaSBEIIa,TaISA1, andTaISA3, as well as alterations in the activity of AGPase, GBSS, and SS enzymes. Secondary metabolites such as phenolic compounds deposited during seed filling appeared to affect starch to ethanol conversion efficiency. AbstractStarch deposited in the endosperm of cereal seeds serves as a source of food and animal feed, and as a substrate for bioethanol production. To gain insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying genetic variation in seed size and seed starch content, this study investigated transcriptional regulation of starch biosynthesis genes during seed filling in two wheat genotypes that exhibit contrasting phenotype in seed size. Our data showed that variation in starch accumulation during seed filling is closely associated with modulations in the expression patterns of specific starch biosynthesis genes includingTaAGPL1,TaAGPS2,TaGBSSI,TaSSI,TaSSIV,TaSBEIIa,TaISA1, andTaISA3, as well as alterations in the activity of AGPase, GBSS, and SS enzymes. Consistently, the genotype that produces larger seeds that are characterized by a higher seed starch content generated higher amounts of fermentable sugars and bioethanol before and after fermentation, respectively. Since the amount of phenol per seed dry weight is higher in the genotype tha...
Source: Food and Energy Security - Category: Food Science Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research