Type 2 diabetes, which is characterized by high blood glucose (Glc) levels, afflicts ~6% of the population of the western world. A major goal in treating diabetes is reducing high levels of blood Glc, which is a particular problem in patients whose diets are rich in starch and other sugars. The main enzyme of starch […]
Floral nectar is a sugar-rich solution produced by plants to attract animal pollinators. The best-elucidated model of nectar secretion, based on studies of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), involves the build-up and degradation of nectary starch, the resynthesis of Suc from starch-derived hexoses, the export of Suc by the uniporter AtSWEET9, and the extracellular hydrolysis of Suc, […]
Many governments have recently enacted laws that allow for the legalization of cannabis for medical and/or recreational purposes. Unfortunately, specific labeling regulations with regard to the composition of active ingredients, serving sizes, and recommended doses are woefully lacking. The capitate-stalked glandular trichomes of Cannabis sativa (cannabis), situated on the surfaces of the bracts of the […]
Of all abiotic stresses faced by plants, water deficit (WD) is the one that most profoundly affects crop productivity. When exposed to WD, plants first respond by restricting stomatal aperture and by rapid changes in root hydraulic conductivity (Lpr). Over a longer term, plants change both shoot growth (to restrict water loss) and root growth […]
The energy costs of root growth are particularly high in dry and compacted soil because soil penetration resistance increases under these conditions. As a result, more photosynthate is needed for root system expansion, leaving less carbon available for aboveground plant growth. Furthermore, the growth rates of roots decrease with increasing penetration resistance, resulting in limited […]
Diatoms are a type of phytoplankton that account for ~20% of global primary production. Like all phytoplankton, they produce and store copious amounts of polysaccharides. More specifically, diatoms produce significant amounts of b-1,3 glucans, particularly chrysolaminarin. Mutualistic associations between bacteria and diatoms occur, and secreted polysaccharides are known to act as a carbon source for […]
Molecules based on 1,3,5-triazine are rare in nature. Most 1,3,5-triazine compounds are anthropogenic and have only existed in the last 150 years. Because it is easy to synthesize, 1,3,5-triazine is often employed as a modular scaffold in industrial applications, including the synthesis of medicines, resins, agrochemicals, and reactive dyes. The highly stable nature of triazine […]
The polar subcellular localization of the auxin efflux machinery determines the directionality of auxin flow in plants. In particular, the dynamics of polar localization of PIN proteins regulates the rate and direction of cellular auxin export and this ultimately determines auxin gradients in the tissue. Therefore, the regulatory machinery of the polarity and abundance of […]
The tapetum is the innermost layer of the anther and encloses the locule wherein pollen develops. In addition to supplying nutrients for pollen growth, the tapetum synthesizes and transfers pollen outer wall precursors for the formation of the pollen outer wall. To synthesize, secrete, and transfer materials for pollen growth, the tapetum requires an abundant […]