Author
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HIRSCHI, KENDAL - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC) |
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Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 9/6/2012 Publication Date: 10/21/2012 Citation: Hirschi, K.D. 2012. A recipe for crop improvement: A dash of yeast and a pinch of weeds [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Society of Agronomy; Crop Science Society of America; and Soil Science Society of America International Annual Meeting, October 21-24, 2012, Cincinnati, Ohio. Session: Symposium on Harvesting Knowledge from Model Crops to Enhance Crop Nutritional value. No. 378-1. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: The three most important factors in buying a home are: location, location, location! Like most cliches, this real estate adage has worn out its welcome. However, we would like to co-opt this phrase to address the importance of nutrient partitioning within plants. By identifying the relationship between calcium location in the plant cell and nutrient bioavailability, the plant characteristics leading to maximal calcium absorption and utilization by humans can be identified. Knowledge of plant cellular and molecular targets controlling calcium location in plants is emerging. These insights should allow for better strategies for increasing the nutritional content of foods. In particular, the use of preparation-free elemental imaging technologies such as Synchrotron x-ray fluorescence (SXRF) microscopy in plant biology may allow researchers to conceptualize the relationship between subcellular location and nutrient bioavailability. These approaches may lead to better strategies for optimizing the location of calcium within the plant to maximize its absorption and utilization from dietary fruits and vegetables. These modified foods could be part of a diet for children and adults identified as at-risk for low calcium intake or absorption, with the ultimate goal of decreasing the incidence and severity of inadequate bone mineralization. |
