Engineering Improved Photosynthesis in the Era of Synthetic Biology

Abstract

Much attention has been given to the enhancement of photosynthesis as a strategy for the optimization of crop productivity. As traditional plant breeding is most likely reaching a plateau, there is a timely need to accelerate improvements in photosynthetic efficiency by means of novel tools and biotechnological solutions. The emerging field of synthetic biology offers the potential for building completely novel pathways in predictable directions and, thus, addresses the global requirements for higher yields expected to occur in the 21st century. Here, we discuss recent advances and current challenges of engineering improved photosynthesis in the era of synthetic biology toward optimized utilization of solar energy and carbon sources to optimize the production of food, fiber, and fuel.

High Photosynthetic Rates in a Solanum pennellii Chromosome 2 QTL Is Explained by Biochemical and Photochemical Changes

“…Recent studies demonstrated that increasing simultaneously the activity of different enzymes of the C3 cycle in the same plant resulted in an increased CO 2 fixation and biomass yield dramatically (Simkin et al, 2015(Simkin et al, , 2017a. Recent challenges associated with an engineering improved photosynthesis leading to the optimized utilization of CO 2 to maximize crop production have been discussed elsewhere (Batista-Silva et al, 2020). In this regard, the S. pennellii ILs population represents an opportunity to explore the large quantity of traits that affect plant survival as well as yield potential once ILs facilitate the identification of large number of genes affecting single or several plant phenotypes.…”

“…Photosynthesis (A) is the main driving force for plant growth and biomass production having a central position for breeders seeking to increase crop yield (Evans, 2013;Nunes-Nesi et al, 2016;Nuccio et al, 2017;Batista-Silva et al, 2020;Flexas and Carriquí, 2020). The improvement of photosynthetic performance under optimal and suboptimal conditions can be accomplished by genetic approaches through identification of genetic variation, as well as selection of accessions exhibiting higher photosynthetic rates.…”

Climate Change Impacts on Water and Agriculture Sectors in Southern Africa: Threats and Opportunities for Sustainable Development

“…Examples of technologies that are transforming the agriculture and water sectors include the development of smart plants that are more drought tolerant through genetic modification and genome editing [54]. Some plants can also be engineered to use more efficient photosynthetic pathways that fully use the sun's available energy [55]. This development holds promise for the hot and dry climates and water scarce regions such as Southern Africa.…”

Integrating cyanobacterial flavodiiron proteins within the chloroplast photosynthetic electron transport chain maintains carbohydrate turnover and enhances drought stress tolerance in barley

“…If current predictions indicating that the world’s population will rise to 9.4 billion by 2050 prove correct (Wang et al, 2013), a substantial increase in crop production will be required to meet the global demand for food. However, levels of crop productivity are unlikely to keep pace with this demand (Ray et al, 2012, 2013), without technological interventions directed to enhance photosynthetic efficiency and/or bolster tolerance to abiotic stress (Cardona et al, 2018; Gómez et al, 2019; Batista-Silva et al, 2020). Drought poses a major constraint over crop productivity (Wang et al, 2011), both directly and through its aggravation of the impact of other stress factors.…”