Engineering more resilient crops for a warming climate

Scientists are using AlphaFold to strengthen a photosynthesis enzyme for resilient, heat-tolerant crops.

15 April 2026 07:36 AM IST
Engineering more resilient crops for a warming climate

Scientists are using AlphaFold to strengthen a vital photosynthesis enzyme (GLYK), paving the way for more resilient, heat-tolerant crops that can adapt to a warming climate and help secure food prod…

We are now looking to see if this enzyme will increase the temperature resilience of a model plant

Berkley Walker
Associate Professor at Michigan State University

Walker’s next step is to grow plants engineered to produce these hybrid enzymes and test whether they can hold their own when the heat is on. If successful, this approach could extend to other temperature-sensitive enzymes across photosynthesis. The idea is to reinforce the key process underpinning plant growth. Over time, this strategy could evolve into a molecular toolkit to help agriculture adapt a variety of crops to a warming world, safeguarding harvests and securing food production for future generations.

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