News Finding: Two amino acids make the difference
  
  The scientists discovered that this difference can be attributed to the protein SLAC1 of the guard cells.
Paper Finding: The HvSLAC1 P NO3 /P Cl calculated permeability ratio of 6.4 ± 0.8 indicates that the dicot and monocot GC anion channel would preferentially conduct nitrate when present in GCs at osmotically relevant quantities ( Figure S2B ).
News Context: This could be important in the face of a growing world population and climate change that will entail more periods of dry and hot weather. Two amino acids make the difference
  
  The scientists discovered that this difference can be attributed to the protein SLAC1 of the guard cells. Hedrich is convinced that a basic understanding of the molecular goings-on during ion transport through the plasma membrane of the guard cells is the key to improving the drought tolerance and yields of agricultural crop plants.
Paper Context: The Arabidopsis AtSLAC1 does not require extracellular nitrate for activation ( Figure S2A ) but has a strong permeably preference for nitrate over chloride . The HvSLAC1 P NO3 /P Cl calculated permeability ratio of 6.4 ± 0.8 indicates that the dicot and monocot GC anion channel would preferentially conduct nitrate when present in GCs at osmotically relevant quantities ( Figure S2B ). .).