DISCOVERY2017_21_F_JONIKAS_pyrenoid-diagram

Diagram of an alga cell

Researchers are exploring how single-celled algae like the one pictured are able to grow so quickly. The secret of this growth stems from a structure called the pyrenoid, which concentrates carbon dioxide from the air to make photosynthesis run faster. By learning the secrets of algae’s success, the researchers hope eventually to engineer the faster growth of crops such as wheat and rice. ILLUSTRATION BY YASEMIN SAPLAKOGLU

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