Grasses have stomata, which are small pores in their leaf that respond to humidity, temperature, and sunlight by opening and closing. Grasses are specially equipped to do this extremely effectively making them one of the best photosynthesizers than can withstand a large range of environmental effects. Scientists have found the subsidiary cells in grasses allow the stomata to open next to neighboring cells easier. Researchers mutated the MUTE gene in the grasses and found that they were not able to photosynthesize as effectively. This new research of their photosynthetic effectiveness due to this gene could potentially help to genetically modify plants in being drought resistant.
I think this study will help to save some major crops from drought related issues. As the climate changes, storms become stronger and temperatures warm, water will become more scarce in some areas. This engineering of modifying plants to retain water and maximize photosynthesis could be major in food production.
Plants may be able to survive the weather climates better but will the population want to eat crops that have been altered to survive. People complain about GMOs, how is this any different?
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