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Master project in the Molecular Environments Group «Enzyme mining in parasitic plants: What role do expansins play in cell wall degradation by parasites?» Background and relevance of the project Parasitic plants have an enormous economic significance for agriculture. About 1% of all land plant species obtain their nutrients by parasitizing on other plants instead of performing photosynthesis. When they infect a crop field, their economical impact on agriculture is huge. Some of the most dangerous parasitic plants are witchweed, broomrape and dodder (see right). Using modern molecular biology to understand the infection process. We have identified host plants that are resistant to infection with dodder (Cuscuta spec.) and are using modern molecular and microscopic tools to visualize what processes take place at infection sites. This should lead to strategies to combat parasitic plants and should reveal other biotechnological applications. Tomato field infected with dodder Specific aims and techniques Is cell wall loosening part of the infection process? Expansins are plant cell wall ‐loosening proteins that were discovered fairly recently. They give normal plants the flexibility to grow. Parasitic dodder species do also possess this family of proteins but it is unknown whether they use it only for their own growth or for the actual infection process. To find out what roles expanins have in dodder, the master student will a.) clone the genes and map the expression to the different parts of the parasite b.) test whether the protein is secreted into the cell wall compartment c.) produce the protein in bacterial cells and measure its activity in the parasite and the host The project will give the student a possibility to acquire techniques for cloning, protein production and activity testing. Such skills are state of the art in bioprospecting for novel enzymes and for biotechnological production of commercial enzymes. The results of this project will furthermore contribute to expanding the set of enzymes that can degrade cellulosic biomass and are therefore candidates for biofuel production. For more information please contact: Prof. Kirsten Krause [email protected] Naturfagbygget Rm 2114 Tel: 776‐46415 Infection organs of dodder (Cuscuta spec.; on top) in host tissue (in the bottom)
