From C-lignin to C-mycelium: uses polymeric lignin as a carbon source.

Plant biomass conversion by saprotrophic fungi plays a pivotal role in terrestrial carbon (C) cycling. The general consensus is that fungi metabolize carbohydrates, while lignin is only degraded and mineralized to CO. Recent research, however, demonstrated fungal conversion of C-monoaromatic compounds into proteinogenic amino acids.

Quantification of Lignin and Its Structural Features in Plant Biomass Using C Lignin as Internal Standard for Pyrolysis-GC-SIM-MS.

Understanding the mechanisms underlying plant biomass recalcitrance at the molecular level can only be achieved by accurate analyses of both the content and structural features of the molecules involved. Current quantification of lignin is, however, majorly based on unspecific gravimetric analysis after sulfuric acid hydrolysis. Hence, our research aimed at specific lignin quantification with concurrent characterization of its structural features.

Comprehensive Multiphase (CMP) NMR Monitoring of the Structural Changes and Molecular Flux Within a Growing Seed.

A relatively recent technique termed comprehensive multiphase (CMP) NMR spectroscopy was used to investigate the growth and associated metabolomic changes of C-labeled wheat seeds and germinated seedlings. CMP-NMR enables the study of all phases in intact samples (i.e.

Comprehensive multiphase NMR spectroscopy of intact ¹³C-labeled seeds.

Seeds are complex entities composed of liquids, gels, and solids. NMR spectroscopy is a powerful tool for studying molecular structure but has evolved into two fields, solution and solid state. Comprehensive multiphase (CMP) NMR spectroscopy is capable of liquid-, gel-, and solid-state experiments for studying intact samples where all organic components are studied and differentiated in situ.

No evidence for substantial aerobic methane emission by terrestrial plants: a 13C-labelling approach.

* The results of a single publication stating that terrestrial plants emit methane has sparked a discussion in several scientific journals, but an independent test has not yet been performed. * Here it is shown, with the use of the stable isotope (13)C and a laser-based measuring technique, that there is no evidence for substantial aerobic methane emission by terrestrial plants, maximally 0.3% (0.