Glow-in-the-Dark Plants Coming Soon
Plants that produce their own light might make the leap from science fiction to reality in the near future.
Bioluminescence – the emission of light by an organism – occurs in the natural world across fauna and flora. Scientists believe that they have discovered a method to transfer this key component from fungi into plants to give them their own glow.
Karen Sarkisyan and Ilia Yampolsky of the Russian Academy of Sciences, intend creating plants that produce their own light, instead of relying on external stimuli.
The idea involves moving a single gene, which allows a particular molecule to release light when it comes into contact with oxygen.
The whole cycle involves four different enzymes, the genes for each which require just a minor shift in their genetic code; the latest technique offers 10 times the brightness.
Dr Keith Wood, the CEO of research and development company, Light Bio, intends selling plants that allow you to find your way in the dark.
He stated in an online publication: “Thirty years ago, I helped to create the first luminescent plant using a gene from fireflies. These new plants can produce a much brighter and more steady glow, which is fully embodied in their genetic code.”
The technology is still in its infancy, but the applications are endless – natural lamp posts and glowing pets, anyone?
