During the last few decades scientists have developed and improved quality protein maize which looks and tastes like normal maize and yields as much or more.
Quality protein maize contains opaque-2, a single-gene mutations that alters the protein composition of the endosperm portion of the kernel and nearly doubles lysine and tryptophan concentrations.
The name ‘opaque-2’ was coined for the gene because it gave the kernels a chalky appearance.
The nutritive value of QPM protein approaches that of protein from milk. The biological value of common maize protein is equal to about 40% that of milk protein, whereas the biological value of QPM protein is about 90% that of milk proteins.
QPM can help reduce protein deficiencies, particularly in young children, in settings where maize dominates diets.
Quality protein maize (QPM)
