Simulation helps enhance photosynthesis

food production in plants is still not optimum because their slow adaptation to changes in the environment such as higher levels of carbon dioxide. Due to this, photosynthesis is still below par. So, how can plants enhance photosynthesis? Many biotechnologists have tried to increase the production by altering genes in plants, but were not sure of the specific genes to target. It is not feasible to experiment with actual plants since over 100 proteins are involved in photosynthesis. Now, a computer model has helped scientists identify them. Researchers at the University of Illinois in the us have used the model, which mimics the process of evolution, for the purpose. They used the model to find out what would happen if a fixed amount of nitrogen is taken up by the plant in different ways