Get ready for genetically modified biofuels
The cell wall of plants is made of a network of cellulose, a polymer of the simple sugar glucose, and a complex polymer called lignin. Lignin is tough enough to support everything from buildings to the largest living thing on the planet, a giant sequoia. But, if we’re to boost biofuel production, we need an efficient way of getting at the individual sugar molecules within the polymer. A team of biologists might have found a shortcut to better processing: they’ve made genetically modified switchgrass that’s easier to digest.