Plant biologists have thought of clever new way to increase size of crops by as much as 20 per cent. They have genetically modified part of mechanism in plants that is responsible for photosynthesis. Of course, photosynthesis is most important chemical reaction in world. It is process where plants use sunlight to change carbon dioxide into oxygen. This means we can all breathe. scientists have found way for plants to use energy they get from sunlight better, so they grow bigger and produce more food. Lead researcher Professor Stephen Long said his team is genetically modifying staple crops such as rice, wheat, maize and soybean – world's biggest crops.
scientists targeted mechanism that plants use to protect themselves from damage when Sun's rays are too strong. To prevent damage, plants turn their energy into heat, which disappears into air. However, this heat-loss process continues even when clouds block Sun. scientists put extra copies of heat-loss genes into modified plants. These additional copies speed up heat-loss process so plants can more quickly return to using energy to grow. Professor Long believes this could help world's food needs. He said if he could get 20 per cent more food from crops, "that would greatly [reduce] what we see as future pressure on food supply".
