Professor Long's invention is a construct “VPZ”, expressed in a tobacco line (T1) which has a phenotype characterized by an optimized NPQ mechanism. The combined overexpression of VDE, ZEP, and PsbS[1] results in increased relaxation rate, meaning the quenching mechanism occurs faster and oxidative damage to the plant is minimized.
Benefits
- Increased photosynthesis
- Increased growth (biomass)