Chinese scientists have created "eternity" rice

Chinese scientists have successfully created a new rice variety that synthesizes coenzyme Q10 using gene editing technology.

Coenzyme Q10 is a key component of energy metabolism in human cells and plays an important role in antioxidant protection of the heart. It reduces oxidative processes, strengthens the heart muscle, prevents muscle cramps and spasms, pain syndrome, and eliminates sagging skin.

Many athletes include this substance in their diet. The substance strengthens muscle fibers, helps restore strength and power after sports.

However, the human body's ability to synthesize this substance decreases significantly after the age of 20. Therefore, scientists have proposed to obtain it from traditional grain crops such as rice.

The researchers collected 134 plant samples from 67 families and found that the coenzyme is characteristic of angiosperms. Most plants from the families of cereals, asteraceae and cucurbitaceae synthesize mainly coenzyme Q9. Rice, the main national crop of China, is rich in coenzyme Q10, which is considered essential for humans.

Using special technology, scientists created a rice variety that synthesizes this useful substance. As a result, the amount of coenzyme in the leaves of the obtained sample was 75 percent of the total amount, and in rice grains, the proportion of this substance reached 5 micrograms per gram. This did not negatively affect fertility.

The Chinese Academy of Sciences considers the new rice variety to be the most important source of coenzyme Q10 for humans. Follow “Zamin” news on “Telegram”