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SUMMARY:A symplastic\, not a simplistic\, path: new insights into the role
  and structural properties of the plasmodesmata cell wall - Dr Yoselin Ben
 itez-Alfonso\, University of Leeds
DTSTART:20231026T111500Z
DTEND:20231026T124500Z
UID:TALK206149@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Jake Harris
DESCRIPTION:Plant cell walls contain pores named plasmodesmata connecting 
 neighbouring cells. Plasmodesmata provide a route for the symplastic (cyto
 plasm-to-cytoplasm) transport of small and large molecules including signa
 lling proteins and RNAs\, metabolites and hormones. The cell walls surroun
 ding plasmodesmata regulate their trafficking capacity and are enriched in
  the β-1\,3 glucan polysaccharide callose. We have studied the properties
  and function of callose in the regulation of the channel aperture and ide
 ntified enzymes that modify its accumulation. These tools allowed us to un
 cover important biological functions dependent on plasmodesmata effective 
 communication including a role in mutualistic symbiosis. Our work also rev
 ealed structural properties of these cell walls microdomains that can be e
 xploited in plant biotechnology and in biomaterial development. I will sha
 re how we build on this knowledge and discuss potential applications in ta
 ckling environmental sustainability challenges.
LOCATION:Large Lecture Theatre\, Department of Plant Sciences
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