Study on Gene Variation of "Longevity Drink"

In this study, the researchers analyzed and compared the chromosome-scale genome collections of 31 natural cacao tree populations to investigate the fitness consequences of genomic structural variations in natural populations

In the findings published today (August 16) in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers report that most structural variations are harmful and therefore limit the cocoa plant’s Adaptability

However, despite the overall adverse effects, this study also found individual structural variations with local adaptation characteristics, some of which are related to the differential expression of genes between populations

A group of researchers conducted detailed and painstaking comparisons of the genomes of multiple strains of the cacao tree, thereby gaining insight into the role of the structural variation of the genome in the regulation of gene expression and chromosome evolution, which led to the development of the cacao tree population.

According to research team member Mark Guiltinan, until powerful computers make high-resolution genome sequencing possible, affordable, and relatively fast, this universal study of plant genetics will not be possible

He said: "The genomes of cacao trees of different populations are 99.

The researchers point out that, in general, their findings provide important insights into the processes behind the fitness effects of structural variation in natural populations

Guiltinan pointed out that in addition to revealing new empirical evidence of the evolutionary importance of structural variation in all plants, recording the genomic differences and structural variations of 31 cocoa strains provides valuable research on the genetic and breeding of this valuable plant.

He said: "All cocoa comes from the Amazon Basin-plants collected from the wild by collectors a long time ago are clones, so we have a permanent collection

Tuomas Hämälä, Eric K.