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