Solutions for dissolution--engineering cell walls for deconstruction.
Photosynthetic carbon capture by terrestrial plants represents a major sink for atmospheric CO(2), ultimately terminating in the synthesis of a secondary plant cell wall-a complex matrix of polysaccharides intricately linked to lignin. The production and co-ordinated deposition of this lignocellulosic composite confers both protective and structural properties to the plant cell. The inherent properties of this complex cell wall also represent a major obstacle for its effective industrial utilization, as operationally effective mechanisms for the removal of lignin and the consequential release of carbohydrate constituents remain elusive. Perturbing plants by mis-regulating key genes/enzymes integral to major cell wall pathways can provide both rich insights into cell wall development and architecture, and concurrently provide significant opportunities for improved lignocellulose utilization.
Mansfield
Shawn D
SD
4030-2424 Main Mall, Department of Wood Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T1Z4, Canada. shawn.mansfield@ubc.ca
D001709:Biotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D002473:Cell Wall / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D002482:Cellulose / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D008031:Lignin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D010944:Plants / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
C036909:lignocellulose; D002482:Cellulose; D008031:Lignin