Biotech Updates

Gene Discovery to Open Strategies for Growing Woodier Biofuel Trees

February 12, 2010

http://dev.biologists.org/content/137/5/767.abstract?sid=11ce2b0f-f4ab-48e2-9b84-0d0690aa14bf
(may require paid subscription for full access to paper)
http://www.thebioenergysite.com/news/5531/gene-discovery-to-increase-biomass-for-green-fuel


Scientists from the Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester (United Kingdom) report the identification of genes that control the rate and orientation of vascular cell division in plants. From investigations of growth in vascular bundles of the model plant, Arabidopsis, lead scientists, Professor Simon Turner and Dr. Peter Etchells, found that the genes PXY and CLE41 directed the amount and direction of cell division. They also found that the "over-expression of CLE41 caused a greater amount of growth in a well-ordered fashion, thus increasing wood production". The bioenergy website reports that the scientists "plan to use their research to increase plant biomass in trees and other species, thus helping meet the need for renewable resources". The research findings are published in the journal, Development (URL above)..