"Gene Discovery Paves the Way for Climate-Resilient Plants with Enhanced Root Growth"
Researchers have identified a protein called dirigent protein (DP) that plays a crucial role in sealing plant roots and regulating the uptake of nutrients and water from the soil. This discovery could pave the way for the development of climate-proof crops that require less water and chemical fertilizers. By understanding how plants control their uptake of water and nutrients through the deposition of lignin, scientists can engineer plants to grow more efficiently in changing environmental conditions.