Summary:
- Researchers have discovered a gene that can significantly enhance plant growth and photosynthesis, potentially leading to improved crop yields and more efficient food production.
- The gene, called EXITUS1 (EXI1), was found to increase the size and biomass of various plant species, including Arabidopsis, rice, and tomato, by up to 40%.
- The enhanced growth was achieved through increased photosynthetic efficiency, with the modified plants showing higher levels of chlorophyll and other photosynthetic pigments, as well as improved carbon dioxide fixation.