Traditionally, only the kernel of a corn plant could be used to make ethanol, but scientists at Michigan State University have discovered a way to use the entire corn plant’and it all has to do with a cow.
An enzyme which helps cows digest grass and other fibers is the key to reducing fuel costs and creating alternative energy sources.
Spartan Corn III
Known as Spartan Corn III, this is the third and final piece in a series of enzymes that are needed to convert plant fibers into sugar that is used for ethanol.
Last year the first enzyme was discovered in a microbe that lived in hot spring water, and then Spartan Corn II was found in a fungus.
With Spartan Corn III being found inside a cow’s stomach, one could say that the pieces of the puzzle couldn’t be any more different! But we’re definitely happy that they were discovered and that they’re working cohesively together.
You can read more about this discovery here.
If scientists can continue with this research and actually make this genetically modified process work, it will be a huge step for science and a great ally in the fight against global warming.
