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Same plant species, different chemistry

Researchers at Bielefeld University propose a precise and unambiguous way to define chemotypes within a plant species, highlighting genetic and environmental factors influencing chemical composition. This systematic approach aims to improve understanding and practical applications of chemotypes in medicinal plants and agriculture.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalTrends in Plant Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 29, 2026

Turbo Platform for Plant Research

Scientists have created a micro-algal platform that allows for automated and fast testing of chloroplast genetic modifications, opening up plant chloroplasts to high-throughput applications. This platform enables researchers to fine-tune genetic circuits and identify which modifications have real potential.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Plants·DateNov 3, 2025

Forward genetics approach reveals the factor responsible for carbon trade-off in leaves

Researchers from Chiba University identified a previously unreported gene, LIRI1, which plays a crucial role in regulating the balance between starch and lipid storage in plant leaves. The study suggests that LIRI1 promotes carbon allocation by activating starch production and inhibiting starch degradation.

SourceChiba University·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2025

The cacao tree species (Theobroma cacao L.), from which we get chocolate, is likely about 7.5 million years old, with chloroplast genomes indicating that the current known diversity diversified during the Pliocene or Miocene epochs

Researchers analyzed chloroplast genomes of cacao trees from northern Peru to determine the species' age and diversity. The study found that the current known diversity diversified during the Pliocene or Miocene epochs, approximately 7.5 million years ago.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateMar 5, 2025

A single cell’s siesta

Researchers found that the cell's chloroplast shrinks by 40% in bright white light, minimizing damage. The structure responsible is a network of thin filaments that can contract and expand in all directions.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2024

New insights into mango evolution: study reveals extensive hybridization within the Mangifera genus

A study on the genetic diversity of mango species reveals extensive cross-hybridization among species, offering implications for breeding and conservation efforts. The research provides a detailed genetic framework for understanding how hybridization has shaped the Mangifera genus, shedding light on the evolution of mangoes.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalTropical Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2024

Solar-powered animal cells

Scientists have successfully integrated chloroplasts from algae into hamster cells, allowing the cells to undergo photosynthesis and producing oxygen and energy. This breakthrough could lead to the development of artificial tissues that can grow in size without limitations due to low oxygen levels, paving the way for innovative biotech...

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the Japan Academy·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2024

A glimpse into the chloroplast workshop

Researchers develop novel method to study ribosomes producing D1 protein, identifying 140 additional proteins involved in its assembly. STIC2 and SRP54 proteins play key roles in correct incorporation of central proteins into thylakoid membrane.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2024

Plants restrict use of “Tipp-Ex proteins”

A University of Bonn study reveals that plants use special molecules called Tipp-Ex proteins to correct defective gene copies. However, these proteins are only permitted to work in chloroplasts and mitochondria, not in the cytosol where they could cause fatal miscorrections.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateMay 17, 2024

Microalgae with unusual cell biology

Researchers studied Prorocentrum cordatum to understand its molecular processes, revealing a unique photosynthetic machinery that may help it adapt to changing light conditions. The findings could lead to improved understanding of harmful algal blooms and their role in climate change.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 5, 2024

Photosynthetic secrets come to light

Researchers at John Innes Centre used cryo-EM to visualize the structural architecture of chloroplast RNA polymerase and build a detailed atomic model. The study reveals new insights into transcription, a fundamental step in making photosynthetic proteins, and how these proteins interact with DNA and mRNA.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalCell·DateMar 4, 2024

A tale of two proteins: Fundamental research could make growing better crops like clockwork

A recent study published in Plant Physiology reveals the inner workings of photosynthesis and plant productivity by investigating the interaction between RBL10 and ACP4 proteins. The researchers identified that these proteins act independently in parallel ways to affect lipid biosynthesis, paving the way for engineering crop plants wit...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2023

Chloroplasts do more than photosynthesis: They’re also a key player in plant immunity

A new study reveals that chloroplasts are essential for plant immunity, with stromules forming around the nucleus to transport pro-defense signals. Researchers have identified a key protein involved in stromule biogenesis during immunity, opening up new avenues for understanding and engineering resistance to pathogens.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2023

Demystifying the role of plant x- and y-type thioredoxins

X- and y-type thioredoxins play a crucial role in maintaining the redox balance of photosynthesis during fluctuating light conditions. The study found that these proteins facilitate electron transport through the electron transport chain, preventing photoinhibition and promoting plant growth.

SourceOkayama University·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2023

New photocatalytic system converts carbon dioxide to valuable fuel more efficiently than natural photosynthesis

A joint research team from City University of Hong Kong and collaborators developed a stable artificial photocatalytic system that mimics natural chloroplasts to convert carbon dioxide into methane, a valuable fuel, very efficiently using light. The new system achieved a highly efficient solar-to-fuel efficiency rate of 15%, surpassing...

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2023

RIPE researchers determine chloroplast size unlikely option for improving photosynthetic efficiency

Researchers at the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology found that manipulating chloroplast size is unlikely to improve photosynthetic efficiency in crops. They created tobacco lines with enlarged and reduced chloroplasts, but field tests showed minimal effects on productivity.

Early grain development in bread wheat

Researchers found that TaMADS29 interacts with TaNF-YB1 to regulate early grain development in bread wheat. The complex helps prevent excessive ROS accumulation, promotes nutrient transport into the endosperm, and allows normal grain filling.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateApr 12, 2023

RIPE researchers put plant protein mechanism into bacteria to help move forward 50 years of effort

A team from Australian National University has modified the protein folding properties of bacteria by adding multiple components from plant chloroplasts. This enables them to study and speed up plant Rubisco, a slow protein that requires 'chaperones' for operation.

Chloroplast from the father

Scientists at Max Planck Institute discovered that paternal chloroplasts can be transmitted to offspring under cold conditions, allowing for selective breeding of traits from genetic material. This finding may enable plant breeders to use chloroplast genes in new ways.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2023

A class of their own: New factors direct red algae chloroplast protein transport

Researchers from Osaka University discovered a new type of protein in red algae Cyanidioschyzon merolae associated with chloroplast protein import and targeting mechanism. The study found that red algae use distinct mechanisms involving GTP-binding proteins to transport proteins across the inner membrane of chloroplasts.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2022

New knowledge about our Earth’s most important biochemical reaction: A step towards increasing CO2 uptake in plants

A team of researchers at the University of Copenhagen has identified a group of proteins, called CURT1, that control the development of green leaves in plants. This discovery sheds new light on photosynthesis, which is essential for life on Earth and could lead to more efficient CO2 absorption.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2021

Even machines need their greens

A team of engineers has created a new material by infusing 3D printer ink with chloroplasts from spinach. This living material can be strengthened up to six times its original strength through photosynthesis and exhibits self-repairing properties.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 2021