Transcript profiling of structural genes involved in cyanidin-based anthocyanin biosynthesis between purple and non-purple carrot (Daucus carota L.) cultivars reveals distinct patterns.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Carrots (Daucus carota L.) are among the 10 most economically important vegetable crops grown worldwide. Purple carrot cultivars accumulate rich cyanidin-based anthocyanins in a light-independent manner in their taproots whereas other carrot color types do not. Anthocyanins are important secondary metabolites in plants, protecting them from damage caused by strong light, heavy metals, and pathogens. Furthermore, they are important nutrients for human health. Molecular mechanisms underlying anthocyanin accumulation in purple carrot cultivars and loss of anthocyanin production in non-purple carrot cultivars remain unknown.

Results

The taproots of the three purple carrot cultivars were rich in anthocyanin, and levels increased during development. Conversely, the six

SUBMITTER: Xu ZS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4190390 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature