A newly bioprocess to produce biofuels without stressing on the global food supply has been discovered by a group of scientists in California. This approach involves the use of genetically engineered microbes with the ability to convert switchgrass, corn cobs and other organic materials into methyl halides - the raw material for producing gasoline.Methyl halides are produced naturally by plants and microbes, but the amount is too small for commercial use. With the help of a database of 89 genes from plants, fungi and bacteria that are known to produce methyl halides, genes that were most likely to produce methyl halides were isolated and spliced into Brewer's yeast, so that these yeast cells will produce methyl halides instead of alcohol. These genetically engineered microbes boosted methyl halide production from agricultural waste to levels with commercial potential. 
Prepared by:
Maisarah (42101484)
Source:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090511115003.htm
