Loss of a microRNA molecule boosts rice production

Scientists can examine the genetic basis for some of the changes that took place during rice domestication by comparing genes in cultivated rice plants with those in their wild rice relatives. Using this approach, several key genes that were altered during domestication, such as those affecting grain shattering, have been identified and studied. Most of these genes encode transcription factors that bind to other genes and regulate their activity.

A team of researchers from the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in India led by Dr. P.V. Shivaprasad wondered whether another type of molecular regulator, named microRNAs, also contributed to the domestication of rice.

Read more at: https://phys.org/news/2018-10-loss-microrna-molecule-boosts-rice.html#jCp