Drought-resisting plant gene mutation discovered

January 18, 2011 |

In Indiana, researchers at Purdue University have found a genetic mutation that allows a plant to better endure drought without losing biomass. During drought conditions, a plant might close its stomata to conserve water which also reduces the amount of carbon dioxide it can take in, limiting photosynthesis and growth, but the discovery shows plants with a mutant form of the gene GTL1, did not reduce carbon dioxide intake nor lose biomass. It did have a 20 percent reduction in transpiration, however.

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Category: Research

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