黑料不打烊

Subscribe to the OSS Weekly Newsletter!

Chocolate Genes

Chocolate may be about to get better, sweeter and even more irresistible. Scientists have succeeded in sequencing the genome of the Criollo chocolate tree. Due to susceptibility to diseases, cocoa trees normally give a low production of fine quality cocoa. However, following the genome sequencing, a number of genes have been identified, that once modified, may cause cocoa trees to become more resistant to infections.聽鈥淎nalysis of the Criollo genome has also uncovered the genetic basis of pathways leading to the most important quality traits of chocolate 鈥 oil, flavonoid and terpene biosynthesis鈥, said the researchers. With the genes of these production pathways sequenced, consumers can expect a larger production of fine quality chocolate to satisfy their sweet cravings.

Back to top