Improving C4 photosynthesis by genetic manipulation

C4 plants turbocharge their photosynthetic process by using a biochemical pump to elevate CO2 deep in the leaves in the bundle sheath cells.

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This project is open for Honours and PhD students
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A 3D microscopic image of a Setaria leaf, highlighted in purple and white colors to show details of the cell structure and distribution of β(1-3)-glucan.

C4 plants turbocharge their photosynthetic process by using a biochemical pump to elevate CO2 deep in the leaves in the bundle sheath cells. There are exciting opportunities to improve this proces by manipulating the enzymes of carbon fixation, light capture and transduction and movement of metabolites from cell to cell. In our lab we can genetically transfrom Setaria, a C4 grass to test these effects.