Researchers edit plant DNA using mechanism evolved in bacteria
Thursday, June 4, 2015 - 20:00
in Biology & Nature
Researchers have used a gene editing tool known as CRISPR/Cas to modify the genome of a tree species for the first time. Their research opens the door to more rapid and reliable gene editing of plants. By mutating specific genes in Populus -- a genus of deciduous trees that includes poplar, aspen and cottonwood -- the researchers reduced the concentrations of two naturally occurring plant polymers.