Shafaqna English- Researchers at Japan’s Kobe University have solved the mystery of why pumpkins, zucchinis, and other gourds can absorb dangerous pollutants from the soil and store them in their edible fruits.
The key is a specific protein that acts like a shuttle, carrying toxins through the plant’s sap.
The study found that a tiny molecular “tag” on this protein determines whether it is secreted into the sap, allowing it to transport pollutants to the fruit, or kept inside the cell. This discovery reveals the fundamental difference between safe and contamination-prone varieties.
This breakthrough opens two promising paths: breeding safer crops that don’t accumulate toxins, and engineering “super-gourds” that can be used to naturally clean up polluted soil, turning a food safety hazard into an environmental solution.
Source: Sciencedaily