Distribution and Biosynthesis of Plant Lectins

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Distribution and Biosynthesis of Plant Lectins. The proposed research extends Dr. Etzler's work on the biosynthesis, distribution and regulation of a family of lectin proteins from the legume, Dolichos biflorus that have recently been characterized. It addresses such questions as what are the biosynthetic steps leading to the different subcellular distributions of these proteins and how is the biosynthesis regulated. Lectins are proteins, originally identified in plants, that bind certain sugar moieties in a highly specific manner. The physiological role(s) of lectins is still unknown but their widespread occurrence implies their importance. It has been suggested that they act as recognition molecules. The results of this study should contribute to an eventual understanding of the physiological role of plant lectins as well as provide basic information on the spatial and temporal regulation of the production of closely related proteins.