Prairie cordgrass is an especially durable plant, able to withstand the effects of flooding, salt stress, and now newly discovered, freezing. The discovery that the grass can withstand freezing is so important becasue it provides an insight to engineering freeze tolerant plants. When a plant is exposed to temperatures at freezing point, crystals form and burst the living cell. Cordgrass, however, quickly pumps ions to the outside of the cell, keeping the crystals from forming. Scientists are just beginning to unravel the genetic mechanisms in order to understand how the cordgrass is able to react in a way that preserves its state. There are hopes that wth further knowledge, the concept can be used towards other crops such as corn. With a longer planting season and resistance to frostbite, more successful seasons may be possible. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/11/161129133631.htm
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
April 2017
Categories |