It is widely known that genes can be a clue to unraveling life phenomena, but few people know how they work.When animals and plants carry out life activities, they manage various chemical reactions in their bodies.A substance that is indispensable for managing the chemical reaction is a protein produced in the body.Many kinds of proteins are made in the body of living organisms, but it is the genes that determine what kind of protein is made.For this reason, deciphering genes is a great clue to elucidate life phenomena.

　In this research, we have succeeded in identifying the gene that promotes root thickening by deciphering and creating a database of radish gene information and investigating genes related to the development stage and site of radish.It was also clarified that once the growth switch is turned on, the growth will continue to progress.Furthermore, it was possible to elucidate the growth stage at the genetic level, in which the genes involved in hypertrophy are activated after the genes that make proteins that carry sugars are activated immediately after germination, and the radish grows rapidly. rice field.

　If the mechanism of radish growth process and physiological function can be elucidated at the molecular level, it can be expected to lead to applied research and development such as breeding of new varieties.In addition, these studies may be applicable to other crops.Elucidation of such genes will lead research to food production, development of new varieties, and development of botany.

Source:[Tokyo University of Agriculture] "Understanding the whole picture of genes that work in the process of fattening radish" -Building a genome and gene database that will be the basis of molecular breeding-