PubMed · 2026-03-27
Scientists used CRISPR gene editing to knock out a gene in pennycress — a promising biofuel crop — and discovered that this change dramatically alters the seed coat's chemistry and structure, affecting how seeds absorb water, age, and distribute nutrients internally.
The tt8-2bp mutant seeds had drastically reduced proanthocyanidins (tannin-like protective compounds) in the seed coat, leading to increased permeability and faster water uptake.
Mutant seeds showed altered nutrient partitioning: reduced non-embryonic tissue dry weight and increased embryo dry weight, with total seed weight remaining unchanged.
Metabolomic and solid-state NMR analyses confirmed decreased aromatic compounds and cell wall polysaccharides in mutant seed coats, indicating broad biochemical remodeling.
