Multifunctional channels as key components of biotrophic interfaces in legumes.

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In legumes there are two types of membrane interfaces between different genomes that are critical for growth and yield (nitrogen fixation and seed loading), which require cell-signalling pathways to control nutrient exchange. The membranes of these interfaces contain specialised proteins that form multifunctional channels through which water, uncharged molecules and electrolytes move. These channels are likely to be responsible for supporting the bulk of transported nutrients and in controlling their exchange. We aim to discover how these channels function in nitrogen fixation and seed loading with a view to developing new technologies that may enhance crop productivity.