Cold-induced sweetening in potatoes causes unwanted flavor changes and dark colors. Researchers found that suppressing invertase enzyme activity can enable cold storage without compromising chip or plant appearance. The study provides proof of concept for the importance of invertase in cold-induced sweetening.
A study by Imperial College London and others found that a mix of cooperative and selfish yeast strains grew faster than a population of only cooperators. The 'cheats' ate broken-down sugar without producing it themselves, saving energy and improving efficiency when sugar was scarce.
Researchers have developed cells that can count up to three cellular events, mimicking computer chips with simple circuits. The RTC Counter uses a series of genes activated in a specific order, while the DIC Counter stores digital memory by encoding 'bits' of information.
A team of MIT researchers used game theory to study cooperative behavior in yeast, finding that individual benefit can outweigh costs and lead to successful competition against non-cooperators. The study offers a concrete example of how cooperative behaviors can be compatible with evolutionary theory.
Researchers have identified a gene in rice that controls the size and weight of grains. The GIF1 gene is responsible for controlling invertase activity, which is essential for starch production. By overexpressing the GIF1 gene in transgenic lines of rice, scientists were able to increase grain size and weight.