P-Protein Mutants: Tools to Analyze Phloem Protein Function

韧皮部组织在碳水化合物、激素、氨基酸和其他植物生长所必需的有机化合物的长途运输中起着核心作用。进一步了解韧皮部分化过程中发生的结构和生理变化的分子基础，将为开发提高植物生长和生产力的创新方法提供基础。p蛋白是大多数植物中筛元的重要组成部分，但其在韧皮部发育和功能中的意义尚未得到实验验证。本项目的最终目标是确定两种P-蛋白PP1和PP2在韧皮部生理学中的作用。汤普森博士将测试p蛋白丝堵塞受损的筛元件维持筛管内的膨胀以保持韧皮部功能完整的假设。该实验还旨在评估p蛋白在未受伤植物韧皮部分化过程中的生理作用。

9422615 Thompson The phloem tissue plays a central role in the long-distance transport of carbohydrates, hormones, amino acids, and other organic compounds that are essential for plant growth. A further understanding of the molecular basis for the structural and physiological changes that occur during phloem differentiation will provide a basis for the development of innovative methods to improve plant growth and productivity. P-proteins are an intergral component of sieve elements in most plants, however the significance of these proteins in phloem development and function has not been experimentally tested. The ultimate goal of this proposed project is to determine the role(s) of two P- proteins, PP1 and PP2, in phloem physiology. Dr. Thompson will test the hypotheqis that P-protein filaments plug wounded sieve elements maintaining turgor within the sieve tube to preserve the functional integrity of the phloem. The proposed experiments are also designed to evaluate physiological roles for P-proteins during phloem differentiation in unwounded plants.