Proteins serve as water channels in the membrane of plant cells controlling the flow of water, both in cells and the whole plant. These proteins that act as water channels in the cell membranes are called aquaporins. The pilot project will specifically investigate how aquaporins in the chloroplast of plants interact and how they impact photosynthesis and carbon dioxide fixation. The overall aim of this proof-of-concept project is to verify that it is possible to design plants with increased photosynthesis and increased carbon dioxide fixation, which would be a welcome asset when carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere rise. Genetically modified agricultural plants with increased photosynthesis and carbon dioxide fixation can be patented just like agricultural plants which have been bred in the traditional way, e.g. via cross-breeding.
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