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Scientists unravel more details of plant cell-wall construction

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have unraveled the mystery of how lignin precursors are transported across cellular membranes, a crucial step in breaking down plant barriers for efficient biofuel production. The discovery reveals that ABC-like transporters play a key role in sequestering and transporting these precursors.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2010

Modified plants may yield more biofuel

Researchers have developed a genetic modification that modifies the connections in lignin, making it easier to break down and access cellulose for ethanol production. The modified plants show increased sugar yields without compromising plant strength or lignin content.

When plants 'think' alike

Researchers have discovered that a fundamental building block in flowering plants evolved independently from lycophytes, an ancient plant group. This finding has significant implications for understanding plant biology and developing more efficient biofuel production methods.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 27, 2008

Wild plant or food plant?

Researchers have identified a single genetic locus in the squash genus Cucurbita that controls phytolith production and plant defense. This discovery will help archaeologists determine whether ancient plants were domesticated or wild varieties by analyzing their phytolith content and cell configurations.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 30, 2002