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Efficient Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Mediated Transformation of the Moss Physcomitrella patens
Published on: April 19, 2011
Chloride methylation by plant pectin: an efficient environmentally significant process.
John T G Hamilton1, W Colin McRoberts, Frank Keppler
1Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for Northern Ireland, Newforge Lane, Belfast BT9 5PX, UK. jack.hamilton@dardni.gov.uk
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|July 12, 2003
Summary
A common abiotic mechanism readily converts chloride to chloromethane (CH3Cl) in plant material, particularly pectin. This process, significant in terrestrial ecosystems and biomass burning, likely accounts for most atmospheric CH3Cl.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Biogeochemistry
- Atmospheric Science
Background:
- Atmospheric chloromethane (CH3Cl) is a key player in stratospheric ozone depletion.
- Significant uncertainties remain regarding the sources, sinks, and formation processes of CH3Cl.
- Understanding natural CH3Cl generation is crucial for atmospheric modeling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize a common mechanism for CH3Cl production in terrestrial environments.
- To investigate the role of plant material and pectin in CH3Cl synthesis.
- To quantify CH3Cl emissions from plant matter under varying temperatures.
Main Methods:
- Experimental investigation of abiotic conversion of chloride to CH3Cl in plant material.
- Utilizing pectin as a methyl donor in the reaction.
- Measuring CH3Cl emissions from senescent and dead leaves at ambient and elevated temperatures.
Main Results:
- Abiotic conversion of chloride to CH3Cl was observed to occur readily in plant material.
- Pectin was identified as a key component acting as a methyl donor.
- Significant CH3Cl emissions were detected from senescent and dead leaves, increasing with temperature.
Conclusions:
- A ubiquitous abiotic process in terrestrial ecosystems generates CH3Cl.
- This pectin-mediated mechanism, active in plant matter and during biomass burning, likely contributes the majority of atmospheric CH3Cl.
- Further research into this pathway is essential for accurate atmospheric chemistry and ozone layer assessments.
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