Molecular Microbiology Research, 2025, Vol.15, No.2, 59-68 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mmr 62 4.2 Genetic modifications for quality improvement Now, scientists can improve the quality of potatoes through genetic modification. This method is faster and more accurate than traditional breeding. Traditional breeding often requires anti-complex intercourse between different varieties, but this is easy to bring in unwanted genes. Using molecular technology, the target gene can be directly modified to avoid these problems (Ahmad et al., 2022). Some commonly used methods now include QTL analysis, genome sequencing and marker trait association analysis. These methods can help scientists find genes that affect traits, so that they can better breed (Figure 2). Some studies have successfully transferred a seed protein (albumin-1) in amaranth into potatoes, making the protein content higher. There have also been studies that transform genes so that potatoes contain more vitamin C and beta-carotene (Bradshaw, 2019). In addition, technologies such as RNA interference (RNAi) and CRISPR/Cas9 can also be used to reduce the components in potatoes that are not good for the human body, such as acrylamide and sugar alkaloids (Martínez-Prada et al., 2021). Now that the genome sequence of potatoes has been figured out, there is a stable transformation system, these have made the improvement work easier (Nahirñak et al., 2022). Figure 2 A schematic flow diagram of genome-assisted breeding (Adopted from Ahmad et al., 2022) Image caption: ①A core collection of S. tuberosumgermplasm exhibits the trait of interest and wide genetic diversity. ②/③After genetic resource selection, a trait-based phenotyping assessment is performed, followed by genotyping of selected populations. ④ Genotype-phenotype linkage is detected through various techniques. ⑤The breeding program results in the development of improved potato varieties (Adopted from Ahmad et al., 2022) 4.3 Case study: application of CRISPR/Cas9 in enhancing tuber quality CRISPR/Cas9 is a very popular gene editing technology and is also widely used in potato breeding. Researchers have used it to knock out genes related to acrylamide formation, successfully reducing the content of this harmful substance in the tubers (Ahmad et al., 2022). This technology can also increase resistant starch in potatoes. Blood sugar rises slowly after eating this potato, which is beneficial for controlling blood sugar (Naeem et al., 2021). The advantages of CRISPR/Cas9 are accurate and efficient in the transformation, and no need to add foreign DNA. This also makes it easier to be accepted and does not easily cause regulatory problems. Overall, this is a promising approach that can help us breed healthier, higher quality potato varieties.
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