Plants could access up to 60 % more sugar using the same amount of energy by targeting a gene for stiffening cell walls , said a study from Brazilian , American and British researchers . By reducing the effect of the gene both growers and refiners of bioethanol feedstock could see big gains in efficiency. The research has seen feruloylation cut by around 20 % in plants genetically modified to suppress the gene . The modification has no apparent effect on the appearance of the plants , or their biomass levels . The technology was valued at 500 M ( $ 400 M ) in Brazil in 2012 , with potential savings including less need for enzymes for refining catalysis .
Plants could access up to 60 % more sugar using the same amount of energy by targeting a gene for stiffening cell walls , said a study from Brazilian , American and British researchers . The research has seen feruloylation cut by around 20 % in plants genetically modified to suppress the gene . The modification has no apparent effect on the appearance of the plants , or their biomass levels . The technology was valued at 500 M ( $ 400 M ) in Brazil in 2012 , with potential savings including less need for enzymes for refining catalysis .