A carrot's orange color is due to a gene that scientists have found while analyzing the common vegetable's genome. Their discovery could help to increase beta-carotene in carrots and improve the nutritional value of other crops including celery and lettuce. The first full genome sequence of the carrot shows new information about the root crop's color, nutrients, and evolution.
The study was published in the journal Nature Genetics.
This was one of the scientific world's most complete analyses of vegetable genetics. Researchers identified over 32,000 genes in a standard orange carrot, and about one-third are unique to the root vegetable.
Researchers then sequenced the genomes of 35 different types of carrots including wild and domesticated varieties. They wanted to learn how the veggie evolved into the ones in today's grocery stores and fridges.
Scientists found the gene that is responsible for the carrot's beta-carotene that gives it its bright orange color. Its name is DCAR_032551, according to UPI.
The human body converts beta-carotene into Vitamin A. It is one of hundreds of natural pigments known as carotenoids.
The pigment gives fruits and vegetables their red, orange, or yellow colors. Meanwhile, carotenoids also provide colors to animal products such as butter and egg yolks.
Professor Philipp Simon from the University of Wisconsin-Madison said that the researchers also studied part of the carrot's genome that contains the Y gene. It provides the orange and yellow natural pigments in carrot roots, according to ABC. The Y gene is one of two genes that turns wild white carrots orange ones.
Carrots are in the Apiaceae family of plants that also include celery and parsley. The orange vegetable is also related to lettuce and sunflower.
Originally the common vegetable had small white roots, and likely first grew in regions of Iran and Afghanistan.
The scientists' research verified that yellow and purple carrots were first cultivated in Central Asia about 1,100 years ago. Orange carrots showed up in 16th century Europe.
Professor Simon shared that Vitamin A deficiency is a global health problem. He believes the carrot's genome sequence can help crop breeders make the veggie more disease-resistant, and aid scientists to boost the nutritional value of the root crop.
Here are some health benefits of carrots: