Researchers from Cornell University, in collaboration with other institutions, have made an exciting breakthrough in the field of plant productivity and carbon sequestration. They have successfully integrated parts of a highly efficient red algae species, Griffithsia monilis (Gm), into a tobacco plant, using bacteria as an intermediary.
The focus of this groundbreaking study was on a protein called Rubisco, which is the most abundant protein on Earth and plays a crucial role in the process of photosynthesis. However, Rubisco often hampers plant growth and crop yield because it struggles to differentiate between oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Scientists have been trying to transplant a more efficient form of Rubisco from red algae into crops for two decades, but previous attempts were unsuccessful due to the lack of understanding about the specific “chaperones” that are required for Rubisco to be active.
In this study, the researchers were able to solve the 3D structure of GmRubisco and successfully integrate it into a bacterial Rubisco. This modification increased the carboxylation rate and efficiency, as well as improved Rubisco’s ability to distinguish between carbon dioxide and oxygen.
To test the effectiveness of the modified Rubisco, the researchers transplanted it into tobacco plants. The results were astounding, with the modified tobacco plants exhibiting doubled photosynthesis and plant growth in comparison to unaltered tobacco plants.
While tobacco serves as a test case in this study, the ultimate goal is to develop a more efficient Rubisco that can be transferred to other crop species. Even modest improvements in Rubisco performance have the potential to bring about significant changes in plant growth and crop yield. This could have far-reaching applications in agriculture, biofuel production, carbon sequestration, and energy possibilities.
The research received support from the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Formas Future Research Leaders, and the European Regional Development Fund.
This breakthrough has opened up new possibilities for improving plant productivity and addressing the challenges posed by climate change. It highlights the potential of genetic modification and bioengineering in agriculture and raises hopes for a more sustainable and food-secure future.
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