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Forisomes: calcium-powered protein complexes with potential as 'smart' biomaterials
Narendra Tuteja1, Pavan Umate, Aart J E van Bel
1Plant Molecular Biology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi-110067, India. narendra@icgeb.res.in
Trends in Biotechnology
|December 17, 2009
Summary
Forisomes, mechanically active plant proteins, seal damaged sieve tubes to prevent sap loss. Their unique ability to convert chemical energy into mechanical work shows potential for biomimetic smart materials.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Biomaterials science
- Biophysics
Background:
- Sieve tubes in legumes contain forisomes, spindle-like protein bodies.
- Forisomes prevent nutrient-rich sap loss upon injury by occluding sieve tubes.
- Forisome function relies on Ca2+-induced conformational changes, enabling dispersion and contraction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the physiological, chemical, and physical aspects of forisomes.
- To discuss the potential of forisomes as biomimetic devices.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on forisome structure and function.
- Analysis of in vitro studies on forisome behavior under varying Ca2+ concentrations and pH.
- Exploration of forisome properties for biomimetic applications.
Main Results:
- Forisomes exhibit ATP-independent mechanical activity.
- Ca2+ triggers reversible forisome dispersion (radial expansion, longitudinal contraction).
- Forisomes can convert chemical energy into mechanical energy without high-energy organic compounds.
Conclusions:
- Forisomes are unique protein structures with significant potential for biomimetic applications.
- Their ability to generate mechanical force from chemical energy opens avenues for self-powered systems.
- Further research into forisome properties could lead to novel smart materials.
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