Maize stalk strength is a crucial agronomic trait that affects lodging resistance. We used map-based cloning and allelic tests to identify a maize mutant associated with decreased stalk strength and confirmed that the mutated gene, , is a homolog of , which encodes a COBRA-like glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein. The mutant exhibited lower cellulose content and whole-plant brittleness. Microscopic observations showed that sclerenchymatous cells were reduced in number and had thinner cell walls, suggesting that affects the development of cell walls. Transcriptome sequencing of differentially expressed genes in the leaves and stalks revealed substantial changes in the genes associated with cell wall development. We constructed a cell wall regulatory network using these differentially expressed genes, which revealed that abnormal cellulose synthesis may be a reason for brittleness. These results reinforce our understanding of cell wall development and provide a foundation for studying the mechanisms underlying maize lodging resistance.
Despite fatigue free of monolayer graphene, its assemblies, like cellular graphene aerogels (CGA), are usually suffering of frequent fatigue and inherent strength degradation in repeated loading. In this work, by employing multiscale modeling, the highly intrinsic anisotropic mechanical properties of the cell wall due to the layer-by-layer stacked graphene sheets are uncovered, which easily trigger the unique skeleton joints damage during repeated loading and contribute the primary fatigue mechanism of CGA. Conversely, multiscale joint strengthening strategies are proposed by interlayer crosslinking and joint curvation, improving the interlayer interaction, and decreasing interlayer stress during compression, respectively, so as to effectively suppress joint damage to improve fatigue performance of CGA.
State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Department of Thoracic Surgery in Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China. Electronic address:
Black phosphorus nanomaterials (BPNM) exhibit excellent properties and potential applications in electronics, but workers may face inhalation exposure during BPNM production. In addition, there is a lack of biosafety assessments regarding respiratory exposure to BPNM of different sizes. In this study, we investigated the lung toxicity in mice exposed to 5, 50, 500 μg/kg of black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) and black phosphorus nanosheet (BPNS) via single tracheal instillation.
State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architectures, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China. Electronic address:
Xylan is a vital component of plant cell walls, contributing to their structural integrity and flexibility through interactions with other polymers. Its structure varies among plant species, influencing the mechanical properties of cell walls. Xylan also has significant industrial potential, including in biofuels, biomaterials, food, and pharmaceuticals, due to its ability to be converted into valuable bioproducts.
Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Food Logistic and Processing, College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, China.
Texture is an important quality index reflecting a series of sensory evaluations of fruit, and softening is the main texture change of most postharvest fruit. Persimmon fruit () shows a pattern of decreasing firmness after harvest, leading to a short duration of sale and excessive waste. We found that the treatment with gibberellin (GA) could effectively inhibit the postharvest softening of persimmon fruit, but the underlying mechanism is unclear.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes human tuberculosis. As mycobacteria are protected by thick lipid cell wall, humans have developed immune responses against diverse mycobacterial lipids. Most of these immunostimulatory lipids are known as adjuvants acting through innate immune receptors, such as C-type lectin receptors.
