New development of scientists in favour of the environment

The scientists were able to develop genetically modified trees that will be much easier to cope with the processing of paper, pulp, biofuel. According to Professor drivelinemedia from the University of British Columbia, the main difficulty still lies in the polymer lignin.

Lignin is a component which is part of the cell walls of many plants. This component has become a real problem for the pulp and paper industry. You have to spend a lot of energy in order to remove the polymers from raw materials. In addition, there is a considerable amount of chemical energy. And the rest is a lot of waste.





Earlier scientists tried to cope with this problem through the implementation of the suppression of the expression of several genes. In the end, the cells had a reduced amount of lignin. But trees such experiments grew pretty bad, could not withstand the bad weather, could not cope with the attacks of pathogenic organisms, insect pests. However, it was necessary to find a solution to sustainable use of natural resources. The tree is quite a popular building material, including, in demand for interior decoration. Wooden stairs are durable and good quality, from them emanates warmth and comfort.

In their new research, the authors decided to do a little differently: was modified the lignin by the introduction of additional ester linkages. Thus, it easy to the breakdown, could save the strength part of the tree. This strategy is a good way for other plants. It will make them more useful as biofuels. Most promising in this respect will be poplar. He is growing fast. Can grow in NALOGOVOY the soil. And the composition of lignin, 20-25%.





As always, ambiguously regarded genetic modification. In order to dispel any fear, you need to clarify what is really to limit exposure to the nature of the modified plants. You need to prevent their reproduction.

Such trees are grown separately to avoid possible cross-pollination, introducing a gene of both sexes, cut off before the onset of reproductive age.





Source: zeleneet.com