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Research unveils clues about protein mechanism critical to plant growth and yield

Heterotrimeric G proteins play significant roles in plant development, including fruit and seed size and production, defense against pests and pathogens, and response to abiotic stresses. Research by Sona Pandey and collaborators showed that elevated G protein quantities in Camelina sativa led to increased seed production and size.

SourceDonald Danforth Plant Science Center·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateDec 10, 2013

Scientists offer recommendations for delaying resistance to Bt corn in western corn rootworm

Western corn rootworm has shown resistance to Bt corn proteins, but a new study recommends using an integrated pest management approach to delay further resistance. The authors suggest rotating crops, using different Bt proteins, and implementing long-term monitoring to prolong the effectiveness of management strategies.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Integrated Pest Management·DateNov 26, 2013

Protein quality: It matters

Research presented at SupplySide West highlights the superiority of whey protein in building and maintaining lean muscle, maintaining weight and aging healthy. Whey protein is a complete protein containing all essential amino acids, with benefits including reducing hunger, improving exercise recovery and reducing muscle loss with aging.

Proteins in one of the world's main biodiesel plants have been mapped -- and it does not look good

A team of researchers has successfully mapped 1875 castor bean proteins using proteomics, revealing the presence of toxic allergens and ricin. The findings suggest that eliminating these substances may be difficult due to their concentration in mature beans, making it hard to harvest beans before they reach full maturity.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateOct 25, 2013

Model plant misled scientists about multicellular growth

A study by the University of Leeds found that Arabidopsis thaliana lacks a crucial protein called SMG1, which is essential for animal multicellular growth. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about plant genetics and highlights the importance of studying multiple models to avoid extrapolating from a single example.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateOct 22, 2013

Atomic insights into plant growth

A team of scientists has discovered that a specific helper protein is necessary for a plant membrane receptor to sense and respond to a growth-promoting steroid hormone. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying plant growth, with potential applications in basic research and synthetic chemistry.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateAug 8, 2013

Peering into the protein pathways of a cell

Researchers from UConn have captured the structural dynamics of a protein channel in the mitochondrion using fluorescent probes. The study reveals that the channel complex changes its structure in response to changes in the inner membrane's electrical field, providing new insights into how cellular transport systems harness energy.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJul 7, 2013

When a gene is worth 2

A study led by Paula Duque discovered a gene ZIFL1 that encodes two proteins with different biological roles in plants. The researchers found that the gene's two proteins are involved in hormone transport and drought tolerance, challenging the long-held notion that each gene can only codify for one protein.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMar 22, 2013

Molecular code cracked

Researchers cracked the molecular code for pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins, which recognize and bind specific RNA molecules. This discovery enables the potential for new treatments of genetic diseases and precise control over gene expression.

SourceUniversity of Western Australia·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 18, 2012

How plants make cocaine

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology have discovered a new enzyme in the coca plant that catalyzes a key step in cocaine biosynthesis. The discovery sheds new light on the evolution of tropane alkaloids and reveals that the pathways in coca and belladonna evolved independently.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 6, 2012

Moonlighting enzyme works double shift 24/7

A team of researchers led by Michigan State University has discovered an overachieving plant enzyme that can work both day and night shifts. This enzyme, ATP synthase, was found to have a new function when one of its protein building blocks is changed, allowing it to transport energy in the roots at night.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 31, 2012

Sugar pump in plants identified

Researchers have discovered a protein family known as SWEET that plays a crucial role in transporting sucrose from leaves to other parts of the plant. The discovery could lead to increased crop yields and improved protection against pests, potentially even shedding light on human diseases like diabetes and obesity.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateDec 13, 2011

The heart of the plant

Researchers have identified a critical component of a molecular pump system that transports sugars throughout plants, which could lead to increased crop yields and improve food security. The discovery also provides new insights into plant pathology and offers potential solutions for protecting crops from pests.