Genetically Manipulated Trees for Paper

1999/08/08 Kortabarria Olabarria, Beñardo - Elhuyar Zientzia

• Genetika

Researchers at the University of Technology of Michigan have explained that genetically engineered trees have managed to multiply by two by normal trees. Initially, the aim of the research was to get trees with less lignin. Lignin stiffens tree trunks and branches, but to make paper paste you have to remove it. Researchers have identified and extracted the gene responsible for the production of lignin in poplar cells and subsequently introduced these cells into the culture and raised the bushes. Now it remains to be seen if these results can be achieved with the other species, the most used in the paper industry.

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