100-million-year-old molecular 'bypasses' may have helped grasses dominate landscapes and agriculture
Researchers have discovered that 100-million-year-old metabolic 'bypasses' in chemical pathways allowed grass ancestors to produce lignin and starch more efficiently. This evolutionary adaptation likely contributed to the global dominance of grasses, which now form the foundation of human agriculture.
Why it matters
Understanding these ancient genetic mechanisms provides critical insights into plant evolution and could inform future efforts to improve crop resilience and yield.
edited by Gaby Clark , reviewed by Robert Egan
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Add as preferred source Scientists examined the genome of Joinvillea, a close relative of grasses, to gain insight into how grasses evolved. Credit: Sarah Friedrich / UW–Madison 100 million years ago, long before human intervention, ancestors of grasses, including wheat, rice and maize, developed "bypasses" in chemical pathways used to create two critical compounds: lignin and starch. These more efficient pathways could explain why grass plants are so successful in nature and agriculture, according to a new paper published in Science on Aug. 20 by researchers from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and their collaborators.
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