Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
11:42
Genetic Manipulation of the Plant Pathogen Ustilago maydis to Study Fungal Biology and Plant Microbe Interactions
Published on: September 30, 2016
14.2K
Mutations in chicory FEH genes are statistically associated with enhanced resistance to post-harvest inulin
Nicolas Dauchot1, Pierre Raulier, Olivier Maudoux
1Research Unit in Plant Biology, University of Namur, 61 rue de Bruxelles, 5000, Namur, Belgium, nicolas.dauchot@unamur.be.
Summary
Genetic variations in fructan exohydrolase (FEH) genes are linked to increased post-harvest inulin breakdown in chicory roots. Identifying these polymorphisms can help manage inulin depolymerization and associated costs.
Area of Science:
- Plant genetics
- Biochemistry
- Agricultural science
Background:
- Industrial chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) root is a primary source of inulin, a valuable dietary fiber.
- Post-harvest inulin depolymerization into fructose increases processing costs significantly.
- Understanding genetic factors influencing this breakdown is crucial for crop improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genetic variations associated with enhanced post-harvest inulin depolymerization in chicory.
- To investigate the role of glycoside hydrolase family 32 (GH32) genes in this process.
- To correlate genetic polymorphisms with changes in inulin and free sugar content.
Main Methods:
- Candidate-gene approach focusing on GH32 genes.
- EcoTILLING to identify polymorphisms in chicory breeding lines.
- Association analysis in a larger panel of 116 chicory families.
Main Results:
- Nucleotide polymorphisms were identified in three fructan exohydrolase (FEH) genes.
- These FEH gene polymorphisms are statistically associated with inulin depolymerization.
- The identified polymorphisms explained a significant portion of the variance in inulin, sucrose, and free sugar content post-harvest.
Conclusions:
- Genetic variations in FEH genes contribute to post-harvest inulin depolymerization susceptibility.
- These findings provide a basis for breeding chicory varieties with improved inulin stability.
- Targeting FEH gene polymorphisms can help reduce processing costs associated with inulin breakdown.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Dihybrid Crosses
61.4K
Overview
61.4K
02:46Chi-square Analysis
29.1K
The chi-square test is a statistical hypothesis test. It is used to check whether there is a significant difference between an expected value and an observed value. In the context of genetics, it enables us to either accept or reject a hypothesis, based on how much the observed values deviate from the expected values.
The chi-square test was developed by Pearson in 1990.
The first step of performing a Chi-square analysis is to establish a null hypothesis, which assumes that there is no real...
The chi-square test was developed by Pearson in 1990.
The first step of performing a Chi-square analysis is to establish a null hypothesis, which assumes that there is no real...
29.1K
02:27Trihybrid Crosses
24.6K
Trihybrid Crosses
Some of Mendel’s crosses examined three pairs of contrasting characteristics. Such a cross is called a trihybrid cross. A trihybrid cross is a combination of three individual monohybrid crosses. For example, plant height (tall vs. short), seed shape (round vs. wrinkled), and seed color (yellow vs. green).
The F1 generation plants of a trihybrid cross are heterozygous for all three traits and produce eight gametes. Upon self-fertilization, these gametes have an equal...
Some of Mendel’s crosses examined three pairs of contrasting characteristics. Such a cross is called a trihybrid cross. A trihybrid cross is a combination of three individual monohybrid crosses. For example, plant height (tall vs. short), seed shape (round vs. wrinkled), and seed color (yellow vs. green).
The F1 generation plants of a trihybrid cross are heterozygous for all three traits and produce eight gametes. Upon self-fertilization, these gametes have an equal...
24.6K