Agronomy (Jul 2015)

Minichromosomes: Vectors for Crop Improvement

  • Jon P. Cody,
  • Nathan C. Swyers,
  • Morgan E. McCaw,
  • Nathaniel D. Graham,
  • Changzeng Zhao,
  • James A. Birchler

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy5030309
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 5, no. 3
pp. 309 – 321

Abstract

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Minichromosome technology has the potential to offer a number of possibilities for expanding current biofortification strategies. While conventional genome manipulations rely on random integration of one or a few genes, engineered minichromosomes would enable researchers to concatenate several gene aggregates into a single independent chromosome. These engineered minichromosomes can be rapidly transferred as a unit to other lines through the utilization of doubled haploid breeding. If used in conjunction with other biofortification methods, it may be possible to significantly increase the nutritional value of crops.

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