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Creation of essential technologies to utilize carbon dioxide as a resource through the enhancement of plant productivity and the exploitation of plant products

Strategic Sector

Creation of basic technologies for utilizing plant photosynthetic functions and biomass that will enable the actualization of efficient carbon dioxide utilization

Research Supervisor

Akira Isogai (President, Nara Institute of Science and Technology)

Year Started

2011 

Outline

This research area targets the creation of essential technologies for utilizing carbon dioxide, as a resource, through the enhancement of plant photosynthesis and the exploitation of plant products.
In detail, the research topics include 1) developing essential technologies that enhance photosynthetic potential through an integrative and systematic approach to understanding the regulatory mechanisms of photosynthesis, the basis of material productivity in plants, with consideration of the interaction between metabolism and translocation of photosynthetic products and other metabolic pathways such as nitrogen assimilation; 2) developing essential technologies that improve the photosynthetic activity, carbon storage potential, and biomass productivity of plants, through the elucidation of the mechanisms by which plants adapt to various environments; and 3) the study of mechanisms of biomass production and decomposition, and the development of technologies for improved biomass utilization. In parallel with these three research topics, this research area focuses on collaboration and synergy in the fields of plant science and biomass engineering.

Year Started : 2011

Toshiharu Shikanai
Professor, Kyoto University
Ayumi Tanaka
Professor, Hokkaido University
Kouki Hikosaka
Professor, Tohoku University
Takashi Watanabe
Professor, Kyoto University