Conventional and novel approaches to the improvement of the nutritional quality of cereal and legume seeds

A - Papers appearing in refereed journals

Shewry, P. R., Miflin, B. J., Forde, B. G. and Bright, S. W. J. 1981. Conventional and novel approaches to the improvement of the nutritional quality of cereal and legume seeds. Science Progress. 67 (268), pp. 575-600.

AuthorsShewry, P. R., Miflin, B. J., Forde, B. G. and Bright, S. W. J.
Abstract

About 70% of all man's food comes directly from eating the seeds of cereals and legumes. A large proportion of the remainder is derived from animals which in turn are fed on seeds. Consequently the proteins present in these seeds are a major source of protein in the diet. For animals with simple stomachs this protein must contain adequate amounts of nutritionally essential amino acids. In this article we discuss how cereal and legume seeds are deficient in either lysine, threonine and tryptophan or cysteine and methionine respectively. Actual and potential ways of improving nutritional quality are then reviewed. Mutants which depress seed storage protein synthesis and lead to higher lysine content are known, although usually they also depress seed yield. Further mutants which alter the free amino acid content have been selected and may be of use in enhancing crop quality. Finally, more novel approaches involving gene isolation, modification and reinsertion are being tried in a number of research centres throughout the world. The strategies involved in such biomolecular engineering are described and the barriers to success discussed. 

KeywordsEducation, Scientific Disciplines; Multidisciplinary Sciences
Year of Publication1981
JournalScience Progress
Journal citation67 (268), pp. 575-600
Web address (URL)https://www.jstor.org/stable/43420547
Open accessPublished as non-open access
FunderRothamsted Research
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Print1981
PublisherWiley
Science Reviews 2000 Ltd
ISSN0036-8504

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