The group of scientists from the USA and Italy created a new variety of gene-modified potatoes. Its tubers contain a lot more vitamin E and thousands times more vitamin A, than usual potatoes.
Scientists published the results of the experiments in the PLoS One magazine. Initially they established the aim to make potatoes more useful for residents of Asian and Latin American countries. In their diet there is not enough vitamin A and E, and potatoes which actually do not contain these vitamins are used in majority of the dishes.
Researchers added the genes of Erwinia herbicola bacterium which are responsible for synthesis of beta carotene and alpha tocopherol to DNA of one of potatoes varieties, popular in the world. As a result of manipulations pulp of potatoe tubers got golden color, and concentration of vitamins B repeatedly increased. Having tested potato on samples of saliva and gastric juice, scientists confirmed that useful substances will be well digested by people and animals.
The portion of puree from similar potatoes, according to geneticists, will provide the child with a half of standard daily rate of vitamin A, and a third of necessary amount of vitamin E. The new variety still should undergo a set of safety tests , but scientists hope that it will help people suffering from avitaminosis.
"Residents of many countries of the world suffer from "nutri hunger" as crops are oriented on the maximum productivity but not on high nutrition value. Our "gold" potato contains many times more microelements and vitamins, than other food these people consume, Mark Failla of Ohio university in Columbus (USA) reported.
Photo: www.theodysseyonline.com
