News From the Field
A Microbial Biorefinery Provides New Insight Into How Bacteria Regulate Genes

February 14, 2013

New research reveals the genetic and chemical mechanisms through which some bacteria consume lignin, a highly stable polymer that accounts for up to a third of plant biomass. Microorganisms that can break down plant biomass into the precursors of biodiesel or other commodity chemicals might one day be used to produce alternatives to petroleum. Full Story

Source
Brown University

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