Functional Analysis and Precise Location of <i>m-1a</i> in Rice

Abstract

The T-DNA insertion technique is widely used in molecular breeding for its stable inheritance and low copy number in the plant genome. In our experiment, a transfer DNA (T-DNA) insertion grain of m-1a in rice was identified. Phenotypic analysis revealed that the grains appeared chalky and became extensive. The epidermis was shrinking. Meanwhile, the amylose contents of the seeds decreased significantly, and the expression of the most starch synthesis genes was obviously downregulated. Using the whole-genome sequencing and chromosome step method, the insertion position was uncovered and only located in Chr11 between 23266185 and 23266186 bp. These results may provide material for opening up new T-DNA insertion position points and a theoretical basis for rice molecular breeding.

Keywords

• T-DNA
• insertion mutant
• chalkiness
• amylose
• starch synthesis genes