Scientists discover gene that allows plants to survive in harsh conditions

SEOUL, Jan. 19 (Yonhap) -- South Korean scientists have discovered a
"transporter" gene that may allow plants to survive in harsh weather conditions,
the government said Tuesday.
The research team led by Lee Young-sook, a biology professor at Pohang University
of Science and Technology (POSTECH), found that the ABCG40 gene helps plants
better cope with drought, cold, heat and high salinity.
"Research has discovered for the first time that the ABCG40s are designed to
absorb abscisic acids released by plants if they come under extreme stress," the
professor said. Stress can cause leaves to turn yellow and the entire plant to
dry up and die.
She said laboratory tests showed that plants capable of manifesting ABCG40
transporters were able to survive drought conditions, while those that could not
wilted.
"In effect, if people can learn how to control this plant gene, there may be a
way to design plants that can withstand stress caused by weather conditions and
grow where there is little water," the scientist said.
POSTECH, which received support from the Ministry of Education, Science and
Technology, said the discovery was published in the latest on-line edition of the
National Academy of Sciences, a U.S. science journal.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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