Researchers in Japan have found a gene, lost during evolution when plants evolved from water to dry land, which can accelerate plant photosynthesis. A study team led by Tadatake Oku, a professor of bioresource sciences at Nippon University, is the first in the world to develop the method using the gene to enhance photosynthesis and the growth of plants, the team announced on July 9, 2007.

Professor Oku's team identified an algal protein that appears to enhance the photosynthetic functions of land-based plants. A gene of the protein, called cytochrome c6, was genetically engineered into Arabidopsis thaliana (thale cress)---the model plant. The transgenic Arabidopsis showed an increased level of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a product of photosynthesis, measured at almost double normal concentration, which resulted in a boost in photosynthetic function to 1.3 times that of wild plants.

The researchers also confirmed that other common products of photosynthesis, like starch and chlorophylls, increased as well, allowing the test plants to grow larger roots and leaves, and reach 1.3 to 1.5 times the height of wild plants.

Researchers think that the method can be widely applied in the bioresource industry, particularly to increase the yields of bioethanol crops, wood and pulp, ornamental plants, and food plants. Applications are also expected in the fields of environmental restoration and CO2 reduction.

http://pcp.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/pcm064v1

Posted: 2007/11/29 09:48:41 AM
Japanese version

TAG Ecosystem , Energy , Global warming , University/Research institute