Award details

The plant cell surface: structural and biochemical aspects of the plant cell wall

Reference	BBS/E/J/00000132
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Keith Roberts
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	John Innes Centre
Department	John Innes Centre Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	1,432,166
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/1997
End date	30/07/2006
Duration	111 months

Abstract

We are investigating the three dimensional architecture of plant cell walls using high resolution electron microscopy, infra-red spectroscopy and immunocytochemistry at the light and electron microscope level. The cDNA encoding a secreted carrot AGP has been cloned and is being used to study the physiological controls on AGP expression, FTIR spectroscopy is being used for cell wall authentication, detailed spatial analysis within walls and the orientation of polymers within elongating cells, an FT Raman microprobe is being established to use in cell wall analysis. Changes in cell wall proteins during cell elongation are being examined and probes for major proteins are being developed. Cell wall modifications occurring during cell elongation are being examined, in particular the role of methyl and non-methyl esters. The Zinnia system for in vitro tracheary element differentiation has been established and is being used to examine early cell surface events around the point of cell determination. The isolation of cDNAs encoding major proteins that appear at this point is being coupled with biochemical analysis of secreted polysaccharides. Work is starting on the molecular basis for cell wall mechanical properties using single cell methods and on assays for assessing the chemical basis of cell-cell adhesion.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Plant & Microbial Sciences (PMS)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

I accept the terms and conditions of use (opens in new window)

export PDF file

back to list new search