Scientists discover genetically modified photosynthesis

Scientists at the University of Illinois in the United States have found that genetically modified photosynthesis can increase crops by 20%, according to the science news website. The United Nations has predicted that human food demand will increase by 70% by 2050. The researchers point out that the latest findings will help make up for the huge demand for food generated by future population growth.

When the sun's rays are very intense, by converting the remaining energy into heat, plants activate a defense mechanism called "non-photochemical quenching". However, once the light gets dim, the protective mechanism will take half an hour to switch, missing the opportunity for crops to photosynthesize.

Using a genetic transformation technique, scientists can solve this problem by promoting three photosynthesis-related proteins, and crops can then restore photosynthesis more quickly. The experiment was conducted on three varieties of tobacco, and the results showed that the production capacity of two varieties increased by 20%, and that of the third variety increased by 14%.

The latest study was published in the recent issue of the journal Science. (Huadong)