News: Researchers Identify Protein That Evolved To Enable Photosynthesis In Land Plants.
- Manuel Basegla
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
Published 12:00 AM EST, Fri Aug 01, 2025
Using genome analysis and CRISPR gene editing, the researchers pinpointed Shikimate kinase-like 1 (SKL1) as a protein present in all land plants— but no other organisms — and showed the protein evolved from the Shikimate kinase (SK) enzyme to play an essential role in forming the chloroplasts needed for photosynthesis.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have identified a protein called Shikimate kinase-like 1 (SKL1) that played a crucial role in the evolution of plants as they transitioned from water to land approximately 500 million years ago. Using genome analysis and CRISPR gene editing, the team led by Michael Kanaris and Professor Dinesh Christendat discovered that SKL1 is present in all land plants but not in their aquatic ancestors. The protein evolved from an existing enzyme, Shikimate kinase (SK), to facilitate the formation of chloroplasts, which are essential for photosynthesis.
The study confirmed the function of SKL1 by disrupting its gene in ancient liverworts, one of the first land plants, which resulted in stunted, pale plants with defective chloroplasts. Remarkably, when the liverwort's SKL1 gene was inserted into an albino flowering plant that lacked the protein, the plant was able to develop green leaves and healthy chloroplasts. This finding demonstrated that the function of SKL1 has been conserved for 500 million years of plant evolution, highlighting its fundamental importance for the existence of terrestrial plants.
This discovery has significant implications for both agriculture and environmental science. By understanding the role of SKL1 in photosynthesis, scientists may be able to develop new strategies to increase the efficiency of photosynthesis in crops, potentially boosting food security. Furthermore, the protein serves as a new target for the development of sustainable herbicides. Because the SKL1 protein varies across different plant species, it may be possible to create highly specific herbicides that target weeds without harming crops or other desirable plants, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative to current broad-spectrum herbicides.
Cannabis, like all land plants, relies on efficient photosynthesis for growth, potency, and yield. By identifying a key protein that regulates chloroplast formation, this research opens the door for genetic manipulation or advanced breeding techniques aimed at optimizing photosynthetic efficiency in cannabis strains. For commercial growers, this could lead to faster growth cycles, higher yields of biomass, and potentially increased cannabinoid production. Furthermore, the knowledge of SKL1's function could inform the development of precision agricultural practices, such as targeted nutritional supplements or environmental controls, that specifically enhance the plant's photosynthetic capabilities. Understanding this fundamental biological process provides a new avenue for innovation in a rapidly evolving industry focused on maximizing plant health and productivity. Source: EurekAlert
