In Missouri, Columbia Missourian reported that a team of University of Missouri researchers discovered a way to genetically modify a plant’s genes to produce more oil for biofuels.
Biochemistry professor Jay Thelen used arabidopsis, a type of mustard plant, to understand how modifying genetics can increase plant oil production for biofuels, according to the report.
Thelen said they chose arabidopsis because it has a short growth cycle, about 6-8 weeks, and can be turned into oil within months. He also said there is a lot already known about the plant.
“It’s actually the first plant genome sequenced. It also has a lot of genetic resources in terms of gene knockouts available for it,” said Thelen. “It makes it a really ideal organism for studying oilseed biology.”
Thelen’s team discovered that they could engineer plants to increase both seed oil and protein simultaneously by pinpointing the plant’s metabolism, which leads to much more efficient biofuel production.
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