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Researchers have uncovered the mechanism of a crucial enzyme, described as “hidden in nature’s blueprint,” illuminating how cells control key processes in carbon fixation, a process fundamental for life on Earth.
The discovery could help engineer climate-resilient crops capable of sucking carbon dioxide from the atmosphere more efficiently, helping to produce more food in the process. The breakthrough was made by scientists from The Australian National University (ANU) and the University of Newcastle (UoN).
The research, published on May 10 in the journal Science Advances, demonstrates a previously unknown function of an enzyme called carboxysomal carbonic anhydrase (CsoSCA), which is found in cyanobacteria – also called blue-green algae – to maximize the microorganisms’ ability to extract carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Cyanobacteria are commonly known for their toxic blooms in lakes and rivers. But these little blue-green bugs are widespread, also living in the world’s oceans.
Although they can pose an environmental hazard, the researchers describe them as “tiny carbon superheroes.” Through the process of photosynthesis, they play an important role in capturing about 12 percent of the world’s carbon dioxide each year.
The discovery could help engineer climate-resilient crops capable of sucking carbon dioxide from the atmosphere more efficiently, helping to produce more food in the process. The breakthrough was made by scientists from The Australian National University (ANU) and the University of Newcastle (UoN).
The research, published on May 10 in the journal Science Advances, demonstrates a previously unknown function of an enzyme called carboxysomal carbonic anhydrase (CsoSCA), which is found in cyanobacteria – also called blue-green algae – to maximize the microorganisms’ ability to extract carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Cyanobacteria are commonly known for their toxic blooms in lakes and rivers. But these little blue-green bugs are widespread, also living in the world’s oceans.
Although they can pose an environmental hazard, the researchers describe them as “tiny carbon superheroes.” Through the process of photosynthesis, they play an important role in capturing about 12 percent of the world’s carbon dioxide each year.
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Scientists Supercharge Photosynthesis To Develop “Carbon Gobbling” Super Plants
Researchers have uncovered the mechanism of a crucial enzyme, described as "hidden in nature’s blueprint," illuminating how cells control key processes in carbon fixation, a process fundamental for life on Earth. The discovery could help engineer climate-resilient crops capable of sucking carbon
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