Scientists Identify Enzyme That Could Help Grow Biofuel Crops In Harsh Environments

Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory have identified a novel enzyme responsible for the formation of **suberin** — the woody, waxy, **cell-wall** substance found in **cork**. While effective at keeping wine inside a bottle, suberin's most important function in plants is to control water and nutrient transportation and keep **pathogens** out. Adjusting the permeability of plant tissues by genetically manipulating the expression of this **enzyme** could lead to easier agricultural production of crops used for **biofuels**. More on "bnl.gov":[ http://www.bnl.gov/bnlweb/pubaf/pr/PR_display.asp?prID=997]

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