Algae-gene-boosted crop plants grow better by using more light
Algae-gene-boosted crop plants grow better by using more light New Atlas
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Scientists Develop Crop Plants with Enhanced Sunlight Absorption
A recent discovery regarding marine algae has led to the development of crop plants that can absorb a fuller spectrum of sunlight, resulting in improved growth. This breakthrough has significant implications for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of sustainable energy and food security.
Unlocking the Potential of Marine Algae
Marine algae are limited to utilizing the blue-green spectrum of sunlight due to the absorption of the red spectrum by seawater near the surface. To adapt to this constraint, marine algae produce a specialized form of chlorophyll called chlorophyll c, which can absorb blue-green light for photosynthesis. In contrast, terrestrial plants have access to the red spectrum and primarily produce chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b, which are not efficient at absorbing blue-green light.
However, a recent study led by Asst. Prof. Tingting Xiang at the University of California Riverside has identified the gene responsible for chlorophyll c production in dinoflagellates, a type of marine algae. The researchers successfully implanted this gene into tobacco plants, enabling them to synthesize chlorophyll c alongside chlorophyll a and b.
Enhanced Sunlight Absorption and Increased Growth
The genetically modified tobacco plants demonstrated the ability to absorb a wider spectrum of sunlight compared to a control group of conventional plants. This resulted in significantly increased growth. While tobacco plants were used in this study, the researchers believe that this technology can be applied to various crop plants.
Potential for Biofuel Production
In addition to enhancing crop growth, the findings of this study have implications for biofuel production. Some species of aquatic algae naturally produce chlorophyll a and b but not c, similar to terrestrial plants. By modifying these algae to produce chlorophyll c, it is expected that they would grow faster and produce more oil, which can be used for biofuel production.
“The identification of the biosynthetic pathway for chlorophyll c is more than a scientific curiosity; it’s a potential game-changer for sustainable energy and food security,” said Prof. Robert Jinkerson, co-author of the study. “We’re not only gaining insights into the lifeblood of marine ecosystems but also pioneering a path towards developing more robust crops and efficient biofuels.”
The study was published in the journal Current Biology.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | Target 2.4: Sustainable food production systems | Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into their national policies, strategies, and planning |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses the development of crop plants that absorb a fuller spectrum of sunlight, resulting in better growth. This development has implications for sustainable food production systems (SDG 2), as it can potentially increase crop yields. Additionally, the increased production of biofuels mentioned in the article relates to affordable and clean energy (SDG 7). The integration of this technology into agricultural practices also aligns with climate action (SDG 13) by promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 2.4: Sustainable food production systems
- Target 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
The development of crop plants that absorb a fuller spectrum of sunlight contributes to the target of achieving sustainable food production systems (Target 2.4). It has the potential to increase crop yields and improve food security. The article also mentions the possibility of using this technology to increase the production of biofuels, which aligns with the target of increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix (Target 7.2). Lastly, integrating this technology into agricultural practices can be seen as a measure to address climate change and aligns with the target of integrating climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning (Target 13.2).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture
- Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption
- Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into their national policies, strategies, and planning
The article does not explicitly mention indicators. However, the identified targets can be measured using the following indicators. The proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture (Indicator 2.4.1) can be used to measure progress towards achieving sustainable food production systems. The renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption (Indicator 7.2.1) can be used to track the increase in the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into their national policies, strategies, and planning (Indicator 13.2.1) can be used to assess progress in integrating climate change measures.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: newatlas.com
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