Research Advances in Amylose Biosynthesis and Strategies for Enhancing Its Content in Plants

doi:10.13560/j.cnki.biotech.bull.1985.2025-0255

Abstract

Abstract:

Amylose, primarily composed of D-glucopyranose units linked by α-1,4-glycosidic bonds, is a critical component of starch. Its unique molecular structure and physicochemical properties underpin its broad applications in food, industrial, and pharmaceutical sectors. Amylose content varies across plant species with distinct genetic traits, significantly influencing grain processing characteristics, starch quality, nutritional composition, and textural properties of derived products. Furthermore, amylose plays essential roles in plant growth, development, reproduction, and stress resistance to biotic/abiotic challenges. Consequently, enhancing amylose content in plants has emerged as a pivotal target for both crop quality improvement and industrial utilization. This review systematically summarizes the biosynthetic pathways of amylose, analyzes its genetic regulatory mechanisms, and explores strategies to elevate amylose content through temperature modulation, plant growth regulators, and cultivation practices. Additionally, current challenges and future prospects in amylose enhancement are critically evaluated. The synthesis of this knowledge aims to provide a theoretical foundation for advancing research on amylose optimization and expanding its practical applications.

Key words: amylose, starch metabolism, genetic engineering, plant breeding, quality improvement

WANG Sai-di, ZHANG Gao-yang, LYU Huan-huan, SUN Zhong-ke, LI Cheng-wei. Research Advances in Amylose Biosynthesis and Strategies for Enhancing Its Content in Plants[J]. Biotechnology Bulletin, 2025, 41(8): 22-33.

Figures/Tables 5

References 96

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