A genetically engineered, protein-enriched potato is being readied for commercial field-testing in India, scientists said.
Developed by Asis Datta at the National Centre for Plant Genome Research in Jawaharlal Nehru University, the "protato"- "pro"from protein and "tato"from potato - has up to 35 percent more protein than a normal potato due to a gene transfer from the amaranth plant.
Scientists have isolated the gene in the amaranth responsible for protein synthesis and have introduced it into potato, thus increasing the tuber's protein content.
Developed by Asis Datta at the National Centre for Plant Genome Research in Jawaharlal Nehru University, the "protato"- "pro"from protein and "tato"from potato - has up to 35 percent more protein than a normal potato due to a gene transfer from the amaranth plant.
Scientists have isolated the gene in the amaranth responsible for protein synthesis and have introduced it into potato, thus increasing the tuber's protein content.