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Science 31 March 2006:
Vol. 311. no. 5769, p. 1832
DOI: 10.1126/science.311.5769.1832m
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The cell walls of grasses differ from those of other plants in that they contain a particular type of polysaccharide, glucan. Burton et al. (p. 1940; see the Perspective by Keegstra and Walton) have now identified the (1,3;1,4)-beta-D-glucan synthase genes of rice, which are critical for production of the grain-specific glucan. The rice gene was identified by comparison with quantitative trait loci of barley that affect its malt quality. Improved understanding of the complex carbohydrate biochemistry behind cell walls could lead to modifications tailored for specific purposes, whether as fuel, food, or fiber.




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