Core Insights - The research conducted by a team from Anhui Agricultural University reveals that the loss of freshness in tea is linked to a specific component called theanine, which has a flavor profile similar to monosodium glutamate [2][5][12]. Group 1: Theanine and Tea Freshness - Theanine is the most abundant free amino acid in tea, comprising 1% to 2% of the dry weight of early spring tea, contributing to its fresh taste [6][10]. - The content of theanine significantly decreases after the Qingming Festival as temperatures rise, sometimes dropping by more than half, which negatively impacts the flavor of later teas [12][13]. Group 2: Mechanism of Theanine Degradation - The research identifies the complete process of theanine degradation, highlighting the roles of mitochondrial carrier protein CsTHS1 and theanine hydrolase CsGGT2 [14][18]. - CsTHS1 acts as a "courier," transporting theanine from the cytoplasm to the mitochondria, while CsGGT2 functions as a "decomposer," breaking down theanine, with both proteins' activity increasing with temperature [16][20]. Group 3: Implications for Tea Cultivation - The findings provide new insights for flavor improvement in other crops, suggesting the potential for precision breeding through gene editing, specialized fertilizers to maintain theanine levels, or shading techniques for smart cultivation to enhance spring tea quality [22][24].

张照亮教授团队在这一研究中首次发现茶氨酸消失的全过程，其中线粒体载体蛋白CsTHS1和茶氨酸水 解酶CsGGT2发挥着关键作用：茶树细胞线粒体膜上CsTHS1蛋白就像"快递员"，把细胞质中的茶氨酸送 进细胞的"能量工厂"线粒体。在这里，CsGGT2酶扮演着茶氨酸"分解师"的角色，将茶氨酸降解掉，导 致茶氨酸含量降低。CsTHS1和CsGGT2的作用与环境温度高低有着直接关系，随着清明节后温度的升 高，CsTHS1和CsGGT2的量显著增多，加快茶氨酸的分解。 张照亮认为，这项研究不仅揭开茶树茶氨酸代谢的神秘面纱，更为其他作物的风味改良提供新思 路，"可以通过基因编辑技术进行精准育种，研发保持茶氨酸含量的专用肥料或遮光技术实现智慧栽 培，进而提升春茶品质"。 新华社合肥5月9日电（记者徐海涛、戴威）爱喝茶的人都知道，清明节前的绿茶，带着一股令人陶醉的 鲜爽，但到了晚春，这种鲜爽味就像被施了魔法般迅速消失。记者9日从安徽农业大学获悉，该校茶树 种质创新与资源利用全国重点实验室张照亮教授团队基于长期研究，近期解开了这个困扰茶业界的谜 题，研究成果发表在国际知名植物学期刊《植物细胞》上。 明前茶为何滋味特别鲜？张照亮 ...