The three-dimensional distribution of minerals in potato tubers.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

The three-dimensional distributions of mineral elements in potato tubers provide insight into their mechanisms of transport and deposition. Many of these minerals are essential to a healthy human diet, and characterizing their distribution within the potato tuber will guide the effective utilization of this staple foodstuff.

Methods

The variation in mineral composition within the tuber was determined in three dimensions, after determining the orientation of the harvested tuber in the soil. The freeze-dried tuber samples were analysed for minerals using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Minerals measured included those of nutritional significance to the plant and to human consumers, such as iron, zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium, manga

SUBMITTER: Subramanian NK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3064541 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature