| STUDY |
Transgenic tree may aid paper production A new kind of aspen tree genetically engineered to produce modified lignin may ease paper production. Lignin--a biopolymer made up of guaiacyl and syringyl monolignols [Benzene-1-OMe- 2-OH-3-R-5-(CH=CH-CH2OH); R = H or OMe] that trees rely on to provide stiffness and support--must be chemically removed from cellulose to make paper. Studies have shown that this process is more efficient when you start with trees that contain less lignin or with trees whose lignin contains more syringyl monolignols. Authors have used a bacterial gene-transfer technique to create trees that not only make less of an enzyme that produces a precursor common to both monolignols but also make more of an enzyme dedicated to producing syringyl monolignol. The transgenic trees contain only about half the usual amount of lignin and as much as 30% more cellulose. In addition, their lignin boasts a syringyl-to-guaiacyl ratio two-and-one-half times greater than that of unmodified trees. This combination of traits may significantly enhance the efficiency of paper production from these trees. |
| UPDATE | August 28, 2002 |
| AUTHOR | This data is not available for free |
| LITERATURE REF. | This data is not available for free |
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