To make biofuel, cut the lignin
Researchers disable key protein, make plant sugars easier to access
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/mr_lignin-red_0.jpg?fit=860%2C460&ssl=1)
PLANT SUPPORT Lignin (stained red) keeps plant cell walls sturdy and strong but is hard to break down during biofuel production. By maiming a protein that helps make the woody molecule, researchers can cut lignin levels and gather more biofuel-usable sugars from plants.
Courtesy of Lisa Sundin