Umeå Plant Science Centre

Comparison of synthetic and post-synthetic molecular genetic methods of reducing xylan glucuronidation in hybrid aspen for biorefinery applications

Abstract Background The pattern of xylan backbone substitution by 4- O -methylglucuronic acid (mGlcA) and O -acetyl groups generated during biosynthesis in the Golgi apparatus plays a key role in molecular interactions between secondary cell wall polymers in hardwoods, thus regul...

Biotechnological adaptation of high-yielding, gibberellin-overproducing Populus trees to seasonal growth patterns

Tree growth is central to both terrestrial ecology and the forestry industry. Biotechnology for inducing the overproduction of phytohormones such as gibberellins (GAs) is a powerful tool for improving tree yield and wood properties. Augumentation of GAs in trees in temperate and...

An additional water is introduced into the manganese cluster during the formation of the S3 state of photosystem II

During photosynthetic water oxidation, the Mn4Ca cluster in Photosystem II progresses through five intermediate Si (i = 0–4) states. X-ray crystallography studies have reported the insertion of one new O ligand during the formation of the S3 state, but recent studies question the...

Enhanced cell wall digestibility and immunity in Arabidopsis through targeted modification of xylan structure by heterologous expression of acetyl xylan esterase and xylanases

Abstract Background Xylan, a major component of the secondary cell wall in dicots, is often recalcitrant due to its acetylation and interaction with cellulose and lignin. To fine-tune the xylan structure and improve the processing of lignocellulosic biomass, overexpression of cel...

Multivariate analysis of agro-morphological traits to unlock the genetic divergence of Ethiopian cultivated barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes

Barley is a prominent cereal crop and a center of diversity in Ethiopia, with a huge collection in the genebank. However, its productivity in the country remains low due to the underutilization of the available genetic resources. Thus, the study aimed to explore the genetic diver...