24th Annual Student Research Conference
Use of Differential Scanning Calorimetry as a Diagnostic Indicator for the Presence of Double-Mutant Genotypes; Resulting in Slowly Digestible Maize Starches
Emily D. Mauch
Dr. Mark Campbell, Faculty Mentor
There is increasing interest among food scientists and nutritionist in the area of carbohydrate intake and human health. To address this, the plant breeding program at Truman State University (TSU) is developing maize varieties that possess slowly digestible starch (SDS). A SDS will not result in an initial blood glucose spike, but would instead result in a constant release of glucose into the blood over longer period of time. The SDS maize analyzed was developed at TSU using a combination of two mutant alleles, amylose extender (ae) and waxy (wx). Double-mutant genotypes typically have collapsed kernels which makes commercial product prohibitive. The experimental material was developed using Latin American maize germplasm from the USDA GEM Program. The tropical backgrounds appear to overcome compromised grain quality. Differential Scanning Calorimetry serves as a simple method to confirm the presence of double-mutant genotypes because of the unique gelatinization endotherm of ae wx.
Keywords: corn, amylose, starch, agriculture, carbohydrates, nutrition, health
Topic(s):Agricultural Science
Biology
Chemistry
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 1-4
Location: Georgian Room - SUB
Time: 4:30