A plant biologist observes that a drought-resistant gene reduces water usage by 40%. If a normal plant uses 50 liters per week, how much water does the modified plant use?

Tue, 05 May 2026 21:22:14 +0000

How a Drought-Resistant Gene Cuts Water Use by 40%: A Breakthrough for Sustainable Agriculture In a time of increasing water scarcity and climate change, plant biologists are unlocking nature’s potential to develop drought-resistant crops. Recent research has revealed a promising discovery: a specific gene found in certain resilient plant species can significantly reduce water consumption—by up to 40%. This breakthrough holds transformative implications for agriculture, especially in arid and semi-arid regions where water resources are limited. A plant biologist studying drought-adaptive traits recently measured the impact of this gene in laboratory and field trials. The results show that when the drought-resistant gene is introduced into a normally water-intensive crop, it reduces overall water consumption by 40%. For example, a typical plant that requires 50 liters of water per week can now thrive using only about 30 liters weekly thanks to this biological innovation. ### What Does This Mean for Farmers and the Environment?