What is it about?
Zinc (Zn) is an important element for all organisms including humans. However, Zn deficiency affects a third of the human population. We have shown that Zn plant transporters can be used to increase the Zn content of the endosperm, the part of the cereal grain used for human consumption. Synchrotron X-Ray Fluorescence (SXRF) confirmed Zn accumulation within the endosperm of the grain.
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Why is it important?
People get the minerals required for their health from their diet. As cereals are main components of most people diet, getting the Zn in the edible parts could help prevention of Zn deficiency in human population.
Perspectives
Selection of crops for traits such as increased biomass and attractive aspect led to low mineral content within the edible parts. Getting the minerals back, where they are needed, within the tissues eaten by people, could be an efficient biofortification strategy.
Dorina Podar
Babes-Bolyai University
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This page is a summary of: Improving zinc accumulation in cereal endosperm using HvMTP1, a transition metal transporter, Plant Biotechnology Journal, June 2017, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12749.
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