Coffee is one of the most interesting and common things in the pantry or the kitchen cupboard. Over the years, it has become a favorite subject among scientists and researchers who want to figure out how it can be beneficial-or not-to over 2 billion drinkers all around the world.
What they hadn't figured out yet is how the well-loved coffee plant is able to produce caffeine. Their study led to a very surprising realization: it is actually a genetic accident.
A team of more than 50 researchers who worked in different parts of the world including Victor Albert, an evolutionary biologist of University of Buffalo, studied and mapped the genetic instruction of two of the popular coffee types in the world, such as java.
During the course of their study, they found out that caffeine has genes that are distinct and completely separate from cacao as well as from tea, where caffeine can also be found.
More than likely, the caffeine had been a "victim" of natural selection. Over the years, as coffee plants evolved, some of them developed caffeine in different parts including the beans and the leaves.
The appearance of caffeine then proved to be a huge advantage for the plant since it prevents bugs and pests from gnawing on its leaves. On the other hand, it attracts bees, certified pollinators that allowed coffee plants to grow and be mass-produced.
But how does coffee turn out to be more fragrant and appealing than other types of beverages? The answer may still lie on the genes. Coffee has more of the genes responsible for the bitterness and aroma.
The details and results of the study called "The coffee genome provides insight into the convergent evolution of coffee biosynthesis" can now be read in Science magazine.
More than 30% of coffee drinkers consider it as an important part of their day, and approximately 55% of adult American drinkers drink it on a daily basis, averaging 3.1 cups. Coffee consumption and production is also a very large industry. The average price of a cup of brewed coffee is almost $1.50.