Understanding the biochemical, physiological, molecular, and synthetic biology approaches towards the development of C4 rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Crop yields must drastically increase to meet the demands of a rapidly increasing global population. One current option being investigated is the augmentation of photosynthetic capacity by incorporating the C₄ photosynthetic pathway into C₃ crops such as rice to significantly increase production. Crops with improved photosynthetic mechanisms would make better use of the solar radiation that can be converted into yield. This will help to boost grain yield, reduce water loss, and increase nitrogen use efficiency, particularly in hot and dry conditions. Identifying and manipulating the genes required to install C₄ photosynthesis in rice is a big challenge. However, the international C₄ rice collaboration, is formed to test the possibility of incorporating the C₄ mechanism into rice. This article summarizes the parameters that must be changed in rice in order for the C₄ pathway to be successfully introduced. It also examines the biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology, and synthetic biology approaches between the C₃ and C₄ photosynthetic processes.