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The role of novel L-galactose metabolising enzymes in ascorbate biosynthesis by plants

ReferenceP10241
Principal Investigator / Supervisor Professor Nicholas Smirnoff
Co-Investigators /
Co-Supervisors
Institution University of Exeter
DepartmentBiosciences
Funding typeResearch
Value (£) 216,802
StatusCompleted
TypeResearch Grant
Start date 04/01/1999
End date 04/01/2002
Duration36 months

Abstract

Ascorbate is a key antioxidant in plants and its provides the major source of vitamin C in the human diet. We have recently proposed the first complete biosynthetic pathway for L- ascorbic acid in plants. It includes a newly-discovered enzyme L-galactose dehydrogenase, which forms L-galactono-1,4-lactone. This is oxidised to ascorbate by L- galactono-1,4- lactone dehydrogenase. L-galactose is formed from GDP-L-galactose by unknown enzymes. The aim of this proposal is to characterise novel L-galactose metabolising enzymes involved in ascorbate metabolism and determine their roles in controlling ascorbate synthesis. Specific objectives are: 1. Purify and clone the novel L-galactose dehydrogenase with the ultimate objective of defining its role in transgenic plants. 2. Identify the enzyme(s) which synthesise L-galactose from GDP-galactose.

Summary

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