Boosting Photosynthesis: A Solution to Food Insufficiency

🌱Photosynthesis is a vital process that converts carbon dioxide into food and releases oxygen, but our most productive crops are only achieving one-fifth of their potential efficiency in this process.

🔬Improving photosynthesis is challenging due to the complexity of the process, which involves over 100 steps facilitated by different proteins.

💡By using a digital twin, a model that simulates photosynthesis, we can identify areas for improvement and optimize the distribution of proteins in plant leaves for maximum efficiency.

🌍Increasing the abundance of key proteins, such as SBPase, can significantly improve photosynthesis and crop yield. These improvements have a greater impact in higher carbon dioxide concentrations, such as those predicted for the future.

🌽The application of genetic modifications and optimized photosynthesis techniques has already led to a 20% increase in seed yield and insect resistance in crops like cowpea, a crucial protein source in West Africa.

Why is food insufficiency a problem?

—Food insufficiency affects nearly one in 10 people globally and is particularly prevalent in impoverished regions of Africa and Asia, where the demand for food is outpacing the supply.

What is photosynthesis?

—Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert carbon dioxide and sunlight energy into oxygen and food. It is the most important process on the planet and the foundation of the food chain.

What is the potential of improving photosynthesis?

—Even our most productive crops are only achieving one-fifth of their potential efficiency in photosynthesis. By improving this process, we can significantly increase crop yield and address food insufficiency.

How are genetic modifications used to improve photosynthesis?

—Genetic modifications involve manipulating the genes responsible for the production of key proteins involved in photosynthesis. By increasing the abundance of these proteins, we can enhance photosynthetic efficiency.

What are the benefits of optimizing photosynthesis?

—Optimizing photosynthesis not only increases crop yield but also reduces the need for additional land and can potentially help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, contributing to environmental sustainability.

00:04Nearly one in 10 people globally are food insufficient, and this number is rising every year.

00:40Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert carbon dioxide and sunlight energy into oxygen and food.

01:09Our most productive crops are only achieving one-fifth of the potential efficiency of photosynthesis.

04:23Genetic improvements in crops typically involve one or two genes, but photosynthesis involves over 100 steps facilitated by various proteins.

06:10A protein called SBPase, when increased in abundance, can enhance photosynthesis and crop yield.

09:00Genetically modified insect-resistant cowpea, which is royalty-free, has been successfully developed in West Africa.

10:26Improving photosynthesis can address food insufficiency, protect the environment, and potentially remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.