Genetic variants that can act as switches directing structural changes in the RNA molecules that code for proteins in plants have been experimentally validated in plants for the first time. The changes to RNA structure can affect the molecule’s stability, how it interacts with other molecules, and how efficiently it can be translated into protein—all of which can impact its function and the traits of the plant. These genetic switches could be an important genetic mechanism that allowed plants to adapt to their microclimates in the past and could be vital for future adaptation and the development of resilient crops as climates continue to change.
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Source: Phys.org