| Abstract Detail
Cell Walls Day, Arnaud [1], Addi, Mohamed [1], Cronier, David [2], Nolin, Frederique [2], Habrant, Anouck [2], Grec, Sebastien [1], Neutelings, Godfrey [1], Chabbert, Brigitte [2], Hawkins, Simon [3]. Flax Bast Fibers : Structure and Developmental Regulation. Bast fibers from flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) are rich in cellulose, weakly lignified (approx. 3 % CWR) and present a number of interesting physico-chemical and mechanical properties (e.g. length, fineness, high tensile strength) that explain the traditional use of these fibers in the textile (linen) industry. In addition, current concerns about diminishing petrol reserves and planetary warming are stimulating research into the development of environmentally-friendly and high quality materials. In this context, the properties that have made flax and other bast fibers so interesting for the textile industry also explain the increasing research into the use of these fibers in the development of ‘agro-materials’. However, the development of high quality ‘agro-materials’ (and improved fiber-based textiles) requires a better understanding of i) the relationship between fiber cell wall structure and physico-chemical/mechanical properties, and ii) the biological and environmental factors controling bast fiber formation and development. In order to address these questions we are developing a ‘gene discovery’ approach (ESTs, flax-specific micro-arrays) coupled to a functional genomics approach and detailed analyses of fiber cell wall structure and composition. Our poster will present i) functional analyses of 6,500 flax ESTs derived from an outer-stem tissue (fiber-rich) cDNA libraryand ii) the effects of under-expressing genes associated with lignin biosynthesis (CCoAOMT) and cell-wall restructuring events (beta-xylosidase) on flax cell wall structure. We will also present the results of initial investigations examining the capacity of flax peroxidases to form dehydrogenative polymers (DHPs) in vitro.
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Related Links:
Lab web site
Blast Site Flax ESTs
1 - Université des Sciences et des Technologies de Lille, UMR 1281 USTL-INRA
2 - INRA, Reims, UMR 614 INRA-URCA
3 - Université des Sciences et Technologies de Lille, UMR 1281 USTL-INRA, UFR Biologie, Bâtiment SN2, Cité Scientifique, Villeneuve d'Ascq, 59655, France
Keywords:
Flax
fiber
cell wall
lignin
Cellulose
ESTs.
Presentation Type: Plant Biology Abstract
Session: P
Location: Exhibit Hall (Northeast, Southwest & Southeast)/Hilton
Date: Sunday, July 8th, 2007
Time: 8:00 AM
Number: P17027
Abstract ID:1316 |
