How Sucrose Moves in Sorghum Stems
Author Information
Author(s): Tarpley Lee, Vietor Donald M
Primary Institution: Texas A&M University
Hypothesis
Does the radial transfer of sucrose in sorghum include an apoplasmic step?
Conclusion
Sucrose is transferred intact in sorghum stems, primarily through a path that includes an apoplasmic step in ripening internodes, while it follows a symplasmic path in growing internodes.
Supporting Evidence
- Sucrose was preferentially transferred through symplasmic routes in growing internodes.
- In ripening internodes, sucrose transfer included an apoplasmic step.
- A large portion of sucrose molecules is not hydrolyzed during radial transfer.
- The study used radiolabelled sucrose to trace its movement.
- Results indicated phylogenetic variability in sucrose transfer paths among grasses.
Takeaway
This study looked at how sugar moves in sorghum plants. It found that in some parts, the sugar moves through cells, while in others, it goes around them.
Methodology
Radiolabelled sucrose was infused into the culms of two sorghum cultivars to trace its movement between cellular compartments.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the specific cultivars used and the controlled experimental conditions.
Limitations
The study did not determine the volumes of the intracellular compartment and free space.
Participant Demographics
Two semidwarf grain sorghum types (Tx430 and ATx631 X RTx436) were used.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.77
Confidence Interval
1.96 ± 0.42
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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