clhs sciblog

Biologists have found a plant enzyme that may help plants to efficiently use water. Every plant has microscopic breathing pores on their leaves. Plants take in the much needed carbon dioxide through these pores. Unfortunately, for every molecule of gas that is gained, hundreds of molecules of water are lost. In fact, 95 percent of the water is lost through these pores because of evaporation. The scientists have discovered that when there is a lot of CO2 the pores tighten so that the plant can conserve water. To read more click here.

With these enzymes the efficiency of water use could be improved. The plants could still take in the CO2 that they need for photosynthesis, but they would lose less water. If crops were to be modified so that they would be more responsive to CO2 farmers would be to meet the food demands. Also they could conserve water and save money. 79 percent of all the water in California is used for agriculture. If the majority of all plants could be improved with the enzyme more water could be conserved.

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