Simultaneous knock-down of six β-galactosidase genes in petunia petals prevents loss of pectic galactan but decreases petal strength.

Galactose (Gal) is incorporated into cell wall polysaccharides as flowers open, but then is lost because of β-galactosidase activity as flowers mature and wilt. The significance of this for flower physiology resides in the role of galactan-containing polysaccharides in the cell wall, which is still largely unresolved. To investigate this, transcript accumulation of six cell wall-associated β-galactosidases was simultaneously knocked down in 'Mitchell' petunia (Petunia axillaris x (P.

Galactose metabolism in cell walls of opening and senescing petunia petals.

Galactose was the major non-cellulosic neutral sugar present in the cell walls of 'Mitchell' petunia (Petunia axillaris x P. axillaris x P. hybrida) flower petals.

Galactosidases in opening, senescing and water-stressed Sandersonia aurantiaca flowers.

Three glycosyl hydrolase family 35 β-galactosidase-encoding cDNAs, SaGAL1 (full-length), SaGAL2 and SaGA3L (both partial), have been isolated from Sandersonia aurantiaca (Hook.) SaGAL1 protein was functionally expressed in E. coli and β-galactosidase identity confirmed by activity assay.

Evaluation of carbohydrates in Pukekohe Longkeeper and Grano cultivars of Allium cepa.

The storage, soluble, and structural carbohydrates of two onion cultivars, the hard, pungent Pukekohe Longkeeper (PLK) and the softer, milder Houston Grano, were analyzed to determine differences that might be related to their response to sulfur nutrition received during growth as well as their postharvest attributes and end-use suitability. PLK tissue contained 1.37 times more dry matter than Grano and was composed of more fructan and sucrose and less glucose and fructose than Grano [corrected] There were also differences in neutral sugar content, especially galactose, and the amount, size, and content of pectin fractions soluble in chelator and weak alkali.

Controlled atmospheres and sugar can delay malate synthase gene expression during asparagus senescence.

A cDNA clone encoding malate synthase (MS; EC 4.1.3.

Organization of cell walls in Sandersonia aurantiaca floral tissue.

Visual symptoms of the onset of senescence in Sandersonia aurantiaca flowers begin with fading of flower colour and wilting of the tissue. When fully senescent, the flowers form a papery shell that remains attached to the plant. The cell walls of these flowers have been examined to determine whether there are wall modifications associated with the late stages of expansion and subsequent senescence-related wilting.