Chloroplasts could control crop ripening
24 Dec 2012 by Evoluted New Media
Biologists at Leicester University have discovered that a plant cell regulation process also affects chloroplasts, the part of plants responsible for photosynthesis. The research may have applications in controlling fruit ripening in crops.
The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) controls a process that causes the breakdown of unwanted proteins in cells, previously thought to act only in central parts of the cell. Now, the researchers have realised that UPS also affects the chloroplasts and believe they may be able to use specific proteins to regulate the functions of the organelle, such as the conversion of chloroplasts into highly pigmented chromoplasts during fruit ripening.
Professor Paul Jarvis, who has lead the project since its birth in 2000, said: “Identification of this previously-unsuspected link between the UPS and chloroplasts constitutes a major breakthrough in biology, and may enable the manipulation of chloroplast functions in crops. It is incredible to get to this point. We have known for some time that this was going to be a big breakthrough”
The findings are published in Science and describe the identification of a gene (SP1) in the nuclei of plant cells which codes for an enzyme called ubiquitin E3 ligase which can regulate chloroplast development through the UPS.
The team are investigating whether SP1 can be harnessed in crop plants such as tomatoes, peppers and citrus fruits to control their ripening.
The research has been funded by grants from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
Chief executive of BBSRC, Professor Douglas Kell said: “To ensure we have enough healthy, sustainable food for a growing population, we need to find a range of novel solutions to challenges such as improving crop yields and reducing food waste. This research highlights one of the many ways in which science can help.
This discovery will bring us one step closer to greater control over ripening so that we have greater flexibility for farmers when supplying produces in the best condition.”
