Current Event: Genes help plants grow faster

Gene Discovery Suggests way to Engineer Fast--Growing Plants
Science Daily
November 11, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101111121626.htm

Scientists and Duke University have recently discovered how to make perennial (last all year) grasses grow faster. They studied the genes of several plants to they could study the UPB1 gene, which causes cells to become more active when cells divide and cause plants to mature. The Scientists then removed and manipulated the gene so plants would grow faster and have thicker roots . Before they  this perennial grasses took two to three years they grow, but this discovery could lead to faster farming that would be more convenient. UPB1 is found in plants such as switchgrass and miscantus, which are used in biofules. Also, removing the UPB1 helps plants convert more Carbon Dioxide into Oxygen, which would help the environment. Overall, speeding up plant growth could help manufacture biofules and help the environment.
If Scientists manipulate the genes of plants it could leave a very positive effect on both society and the environment. First of all, this gene helps plants grow in shorter times. This would help farmers grow more crops to feed the growing population. Secondly, manipulating this gene causes plants to be able to convert more Carbon Dioxide into Oxygen, therefore helping us get rid of greenhouse gasses. Also, removing the UPB1 can help grow biofules faster. There are however some negative effects this discovery could have. For example, if large, industrial farming companies get a hold of this soon, they could rapidly produce crops, running small farms out of business. Also, scientists are still unsure of all the negative effects removing this gene could have. All in all, manipulating the UPB1 gene could have both positive, and negative effects on the environment and society.
Overall, I found this article very interesting. I was especially interested in how they remove the gene and wish they had gone into more detail about it. I am also confused about how removing this gene will help the plant grow faster. Also, how is do they remove the gene in all of the plants, do they have to do it individually or only to a few plants? This article was based on findings at Duke University, as well as published in a scientific magazine, so the information is valid and accurate. I found this article to be very interesting, but I wish they had gone into more detail about some information.
In my opinion, this discovery could be very useful and help the world in many ways. While reading this I learned how removing a one gene could change how a plant looks, or grows. Also, I learned that biofuels take a long time to grow,but last for a very long time. When scientists prefect this new technology it could help produce more food and fuel, as well as get rid of more harmful carbon dioxide. Also, I think removing the UPB1 gene should be heavily tested to make sure that there are no hazards reactions or mutations. In conclusion, manipulating the UPB1 gene could be very useful in industry and farming, as well as help the environment