The world could be fed during the climate crisis if we can unravel the secrets of stress in our plants

Royal Holloway’s new research has shown that plants’ natural responses to stress alter the DNA structure of cells to help them withstand the adverse effects of climate change on their growth.

The new research published in BMC BiologyProfessor Alessandra devoto, Department of Biological Sciences at Royal Holloway and her team, in collaboration Dr. Motoaki Seki from RIKEN Centre for Sustainable Resource Science in Yokohama, Japan and Doctor Jong-Myong Kim from Ac-Planta Inc, used the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, (Thale cress), to stress the plant’s internal mechanisms.

This allowed the team to study how stress can affect the way DNA is coiled within cells to switch on and off genes. Understanding these mechanisms could help plants survive in adverse environments like drought. This would make them more resilient to climate change.

Professor Alessandra Devoto of the Department of Biological Science at Royal Holloway stated: “Our research has demonstrated that changes in the natural modification of the proteins binding to the plant DNA (namely ‘Modifications to histoneThese traits, such as acetylation (or methylation), could be passed on to future generations to increase plant resistance to cold and pathogen attacks.

“This is very important data considering the Climate changeCrisis, as it becomes increasingly difficult to grow crops for the world’s food needs.

Stacey Vincent, Ph.D. Student from Royal Holloway, said: “Being capable of creating plants that can resist adverse environments will be a real game-changer.” We are thrilled to have discovered these highly-tuned stress responses within plants.

Dr. Jong Myong Kim from Ac-Planta Inc. and the University of Tokyo said: “This research shows how stress has repercussions throughout the whole plant genome, and it is universally preserved between plants and animals.”

Dr. Seki from RIKEN Centre for Sustainable Resource Science in Yokohama stated: “These findings represent an important milestone towards understanding the mechanisms through which PlantsThese are essential to guarantee your security Animal lifeCan the planet become more resilient to future challenges?

“We are proud to be able lend a helping hand for plant life.