Molecular approaches for increasing the micronutrient density in edible portions of food crops

Abstract

Micronutrient accumulation and uptake traits are inherited and could therefore be improved using molecular genetic techniques. Two distinct applications of molecular biological techniques are described that could be used to manipulate the micronutrient density in edible portions of food crops. One is the use of DNA markers as genetic tags for the introgression of desired traits and the second is the introduction of defined genetic material, which is the process of genetic engineering. This chapter covers concepts important in the use of molecular markers and concentrates on molecular details of micronutrient uptake by model plant and microbial species because of the recent advances in this area of research. Although micronutrient uptake processes do not all directly relate to major human nutritional deficiencies, the review of this area of research provides a conceptual framework for consideration of aspects important when developing crops for improved human health.