Forward genetics approach reveals the factor responsible for carbon trade-off in leaves

Forward genetics approach reveals the factor responsible for carbon trade-off in leaves

Plants store carbon in two primary forms: starch and triacylglycerols (TAGs). Starch is mainly stored in chloroplasts in leaves, where it serves as a readily available energy source, while TAGs are stored in seeds for long-term energy storage. Past studies have shown that a carbon trade-off exists between these two storage forms, implying that an increase in the levels of one form often reduces the levels of the other.

Factor responsible for carbon trade-off in leaves revealed

Starch and oils are known as storehouses of carbon in plants. However, the way in which carbon resources are allocated during metabolism in plants remained unknown. Now, however, using a forward genetics approach, researchers have identified that a gene named LIRI1 regulates this process, significantly…