Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
06:21
Micron-scale Phenotyping Techniques of Maize Vascular Bundles Based on X-ray Microcomputed Tomography
Published on: October 9, 2018
Characterization of the maize xylem sap proteome
Sophie Alvarez1, Jason Q D Goodger, Ellen L Marsh
1Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, 975 North Warson Road, Saint Louis, Missouri 63132, USA.
Journal of Proteome Research
|April 11, 2006
Summary
Maize xylem sap contains proteins involved in plant development and defense. These xylem proteins exhibit antifungal activity, revealing a new role for xylem beyond water transport.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Proteomics
- Plant Physiology
Background:
- Xylem is traditionally viewed as a conduit for water and minerals.
- Recent findings suggest the presence of proteins within plant xylem.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize the protein components of maize xylem sap.
- To understand the functional implications of xylem sap proteins.
Main Methods:
- Proteomic analysis of maize xylem sap.
- Identification of protein identity and composition.
- Bioassays to test antifungal activity.
Main Results:
- Maize xylem sap proteome includes proteins linked to xylem differentiation stages (cell wall metabolism, secondary cell wall synthesis, programmed cell death).
- Multiple protein isoforms, some glycosylated, were identified.
- Defense-related proteins were detected, exhibiting antifungal properties in assays.
Conclusions:
- Plant xylem sap is a complex mixture of proteins with diverse functions.
- Xylem sap proteins play roles in plant development and defense mechanisms.
- The antifungal activity of xylem sap proteins suggests a role in plant immunity.
