For the first time scientists have managed to crack the genetic code of tomato
and discovered that tomato has 7,000 more genes than humans(!). They
also discovered that tomato and potato share 92% of their genes.
During
the research, initiated in 2003 by an international research team of 300 geneticists
from 14 countries, sscientists
managed to read the genome of tomato cultivar "Heinz 1706" (that is
where from the famous ketchup took its name) and the genome of a wild tomato.
Scientists hope
that by decoding tomato’s DNA they will be able to create better flavor, higher
yields, higher nutritional value, better resistance to disease and most beautiful
color in crops within 5 years.
According to scientists involved
in this research, reading the genome will facilitate conventional
techniques and cross breeding of new tomato species, except for the genetic
modification, while reducing the need for pesticides.
Nonetheless,
this new study is expected to bring for one more time to the fore the eternal
question: is tomato a vegetable or
fruit? The U.S. Supreme Court issued opinions in favor of vegetable, but most
scientists "vote" in favor of the fruit.
Translation & Editing by
Christiana Vellianiti
Source: iatropedia.gr
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