![Scientists have re-engineered photosynthesis, the foundation of life on Earth, creating genetically modified plants that grow faster and bigger. Above, scientists measure how well modified tobacco plants photosynthesize compared to unmodified plants.](https://will.illinois.edu/images/uploads/51812/9k5b2302_32105621823_o_37765510502_o-b391ac95f36d2f188f29e3f5d7691b439c2036d8-s800-c85__medium.jpg)
U Of I Scientists Have ‘Hacked Photosynthesis’ In Search Of More Productive Crops
There's a big molecule, a protein, inside the leaves of most plants. It's called Rubisco, which is short for an actual chemical name that's very long and hard to remember.