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Study Unveils Plant Gene Secrets for Biotech Innovations

9/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers from Zhejiang University and Yazhouwan National Laboratory studied 222 terpene synthase (TPS) genes in 24 flowering plant species, published on September 25, 2024.
They mapped the evolutionary paths of these genes, showing how plants create diverse terpenes linked to aromas and medicinal properties.
The study offers a framework for utilizing TPS diversity in biotechnology and agriculture, aiding in crop engineering for disease resistance.
It emphasizes the potential of under-studied angiosperms to produce new bioactive compounds for commercial and therapeutic use.
The research received funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and appeared in Horticulture Research.

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Story summary

Researchers from Zhejiang University and Yazhouwan National Laboratory studied 222 terpene synthase (TPS) genes in 24 flowering plant species, published on September 25, 2024.
They mapped the evolutionary paths of these genes, showing how plants create diverse terpenes linked to aromas and medicinal properties.
The study offers a framework for utilizing TPS diversity in biotechnology and agriculture, aiding in crop engineering for disease resistance.
It emphasizes the potential of under-studied angiosperms to produce new bioactive compounds for commercial and therapeutic use.
The research received funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and appeared in Horticulture Research.