2 min 40 sec, FLV FORMAT

Episode 48: Beta Glucan Gene

Dr Monika Doblin and Professor Tony Bacic are leading a team from the Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics in the School of Botany who are working to produce 'supergrain', a potentially healthier grain that could increase the versatility of wheat. 

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More information

Researchers have identified a gene which is required for the production
of beta glucan, a complex carbohydrate with cholesterol-lowering and
bowel health promoting properties.

By increasing the levels of beta glucan in wheat, they hope to create a
healthier grain which and increase the versatility of wheat.

For more info, please go to http://uninews.unimelb.edu.au/view.php?articleID=5741

Credits

Reporter:Nerissa Hannink
Camera: Clive Banfield
Editor: Rob Cross

The study was jointly conducted by researchers from the Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics, who are based at the Universities of Melbourne (led by Professor T Bacic and Associate Professor EJ Newbigin) and Adelaide (led by Professor GB Fincher and Dr R Burton).

This research builds on work initially funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation and is currently undertaken as part of the High Fibre Grains Cluster – a research collaboration between the CSIRO’s Food Futures Flagship and the Universities of Melbourne, Queensland and Adelaide.


© The University of Melbourne, 2009. All rights reserved.
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