Scientists in Brazil have published new research into enzymes which could help improve the way they are used in the biofuels industry. The researchers from Brazil's Federal University of Rio de Janeiro found that a particular enzyme called acetyl-CoA synthase (ACS) is responsible for converting sugar to ethanol and carbon dioxide when it breaks down plant material. By analysing the way they reacted, the team were able to identify gene networks that appear to be essential for breaking down biomass. They believe their findings will enable greater use of genetic information in the production of biofuels.
Scientists in Brazil have published new research into enzymes which could help improve the way they are used in the biofuels industry. The researchers from Rio de Janeiro State University and the University of Campinas conducted a study into the way enzymes break down biomass, using three fungal species commonly found growing in soil, wood and bark. By analysing the way they reacted, the team were able to identify gene networks that appear to be essential for breaking down biomass. They believe their findings will enable greater use of genetic information in the production of biofuels.