The missing links: Finding function in lincRNAs

Genomes contain regions between protein-coding genes that produce lengthy RNA molecules that never give rise to a protein. These long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) are thought to have important functions, such as ...

Boosted mitochondrial capacity safeguards cells under stress

According to a team of plant researchers, mitochondria provide unexpected help for cells in a crisis by respiring away harmful substances. The current study produced by the Institute of Biology and Biotechnology of Plants ...

Uncovering the mysteries of methylation in plants

Growing up is a complex process for multi-celled organisms—plants included. In the days or weeks it takes to go from a seed to a sprout to a full plant, plants express hundreds of genes in different places at different ...

Key mechanism of photosynthesis elucidated

Some plants master a special form of solar energy utilization that offers great advantages under warm conditions. A recent study now provides new insights into an enzyme that plays a central role in this so-called C4 photosynthesis. ...

Long search finds grain of hope in the 'glume'

Researchers have found the elusive genetic element controlling the elongated grains and glumes of a wheat variety identified by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus more than 250 years ago.

Comprehensive characterization of vascular structure in plants

The leaf vasculature of plants plays a key role in transporting solutes from where they are made—for example from the plant cells driving photosynthesis—to where they are stored or used. Sugars and amino acids are transported ...

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