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马铃薯的“妈妈”竟然是番茄?
Guan Cha Zhe Wang· 2025-08-03 07:16
Core Insights - The research reveals that the potato originated from an ancient hybridization event between the tomato group and the wild potato group approximately 9 million years ago, leading to the creation of the unique tuber organ [1][12] - This study provides a new theoretical perspective for potato genetic breeding and highlights the role of hybridization in species formation [12] Group 1: Potato's Origin - Potatoes are a crucial crop, originally from South America, providing staple food for 1.3 billion people globally due to their high nutritional value and adaptability [2] - The potato group, tomato group, and wild potato group are sister taxa, with molecular evolution analysis indicating a closer relationship between potatoes and tomatoes than previously thought [2][5] - The study confirms that potatoes are a hybrid species resulting from the crossbreeding of wild potatoes and tomatoes, with tomatoes as the maternal parent and wild potatoes as the paternal parent [5][12] Group 2: Genetic Mechanisms - The formation of the potato tuber is attributed to genomic recombination, where the hybridization of ancestral species led to the creation of this unique organ [7][10] - Key genes involved in tuber formation were identified, with the main regulatory gene SP6A derived from the tomato group and the gene IT1 from the wild potato group [10] - The discovery of two additional tuber-related genes, DRN and CLF, further elucidates the genetic basis for tuber development [10] Group 3: Evolutionary Impact - The hybridization event not only created the tuber but also enriched the genetic diversity within the potato group, with about 24% of the genetic components showing a mosaic pattern from different parental alleles [10][12] - This genetic diversity allows potatoes to adapt to various environmental conditions, enhancing their survival and reproductive capabilities [10] - The tuber provides a significant survival advantage, enabling potatoes to store water and starch, and allowing for asexual reproduction through tuber sprouting [10][12]