This enzyme is responsible for life on Earth. It’s a hot mess.

Proof of Concept is an engaging video series that sheds light on the science and scientists involved in groundbreaking environmental research. At the center of much of the Earth’s life is a tiny protein known as ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, or RuBisCO. This enzyme plays a crucial role in converting CO2 into energy, essential for photosynthesis and plant growth. However, RuBisCO’s inefficiency, especially in hot climates, poses a challenge for sustaining life on Earth. A global team of scientists is now working to engineer a superior version of RuBisCO, a task that has intrigued researchers for decades. By utilizing bacteria in a lab setting, scientists like Robbie Wilson are accelerating the evolutionary process to create improved variants of RuBisCO. The hope is that these advancements could revolutionize plant biology, leading to more productive and climate-resilient crops. While the road from the lab to the field is long, the potential impact of enhanced RuBisCO is promising. Through innovative projects and collaborations, scientists are paving the way for a greener, more food-secure future.