Poster: Cell Walls

Abs # 336: Functional Genomics of Hemicellulose Biosynthesis in Rice and Maize

Presenter:	Scott-Craig, John S., scottcra@msu.edu
Additional Authors	Hazen, Samuel P. (A)   Hawley, Robin M (A)   van Erp, Henricus EG (A)   Walton, Jonathan D. (A)
Affiliations:	(A): MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory

There are a number of striking structural differences between the cell walls of grasses (Poaceae) and those of dicotyledenous plants. A better understanding of the biochemistry and molecular biology of wall synthesis in cereals should enhance our ability to more completely utilize all portions of these important crop plants. We are employing three different approaches to identify genes and proteins involved in hemicellulose biosynthesis in rice and maize. In applying reverse genetics, biochemical purification and QTL analysis we are making use of newly developed resources such as the rice genome sequence and the University of Missouri maize map. New proteomics technologies will also assist in isolation of proteins that have proven refractory to traditional biochemical methods of purification. A more complete understanding of cell wall biosynthesis could open up many new avenues in attempts to modify plants for more efficient production of food, fiber and fuel.