University of Cambridge (P9)

Paul Dupree  

In WP3 we will extend our basic understanding of cell wall polysaccharide composition, quantity and structure in maize and miscanthus, and in collaboration with CeProBIO in sugarcane. This research will generate vital information to allow better biomass digestion (WP5). In addition, we will investigate the function of genes potentially involved in polysaccharide biosynthesis using data from WP2. This will help identify genes that are responsible for linking polysaccharides into lignin (WP4). Our results will hence provide knowledge on key genes that can be used to improve breeding strategies for biomass production, and will identify strategies for added value polysaccharide-based products for WP6 and 7.

Staining of Arabidopsis stem section: Calcoflour white (green), xylan antibody LM10 (red).