Modified Plants May Yield More Biofuel

Plants, genetically modified to ease the breaking down of their woody material, could be the key to a cheaper and greener way of making **ethanol**, according to researchers who add that the approach could also help turn agricultural waste into food for livestock. Lignin, a major component of woody plant material,, is woven in with cellulose and provides plants with the strength to withstand strong gusts of wind and microbial attack. However, this protective barrier or "plastic wall" also makes it harder to gain access to the cellulose. More "sciencedaily.com":[ http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081222163051.htm]

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