A discovery in a laboratory could help lead to new generation of drought-resistant crops. Drought conditions cause plants to produce a stress hormone called abscisic acid. This chemical activates a set of protein molecules called receptors. These receptors then activate a series of changes to help the plant survive.
实验室一项发现可能有助于带来新一代抗旱作物。干旱状况会导致作物产生一种被称为脱落酸的应激激素。这种化学物质会激活一套被称为受体的蛋白质分子。然后这些受体会激活一系列变化来帮助植物存活。
The natural reaction of the receptors is to close so-called guard cells on and inside the leaves. That closure decreases water loss and stops the plant from growing to save water during a drought.
受体的自然反应就是关闭植物叶子内外所谓的保卫细胞。保卫细胞的关闭会降低水分流失，使植物在干旱时期停止生长以节约水分。
Researchers say they have discovered a way to "supercharge," or increase, this reaction. Sean Cutler at the University of California, Riverside, led the team. The scientists engineered abscisic acid receptors that can be turned on at will and stay on.
研究人员说，他们已经发现一种方式来增压，或增强这种反应。加州大学河滨分校的肖恩·卡特勒负责这个研究小组。科学家们人工改造可以随意开启并保持这一状态的脱落酸受体。
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