SS
Reviewer
Sebastian T. Schenk
  • Justus Liebig University
Research fields
  • Plant science
Lignin Extraction and Quantification, a Tool to Monitor Defense Reaction at the Plant Cell Wall Level
Authors:  Sebastian T. Schenk and Adam Schikora, date: 03/20/2015, view: 15211, Q&A: 1
Lignin is a complex polymer of phenolic compounds (monolignins), which contributes to the rigidity of the plant cell wall. Lignification is essential for plant development, however it is also one of the mechanisms of plant defense. Accumulation of lignin and the polymerization of monolignins at sides of pathogen attack protect the cell wall against cell wall-degrading enzymes and prevent therefore the pathogen’s penetration. In addition to cross-linkage of phenolic compounds, this resistance mechanism includes also callose and cellulose appositions on the cell wall. This results in structures called papillae, which provide the necessary resistance to the mechanical pressure exercised by fungal appressorium. Lignin accumulation in cell walls is therefore a part of plant defense responses. Here we describe a quantification method for lignin and cell wall phenolic compounds, which is based on an acid-catalyzed reaction resulting in a colored and soluble lignin-thioglycolate complex suitable for photometric measurements.
Staining of Callose Depositions in Root and Leaf Tissues
Authors:  Sebastian T. Schenk and Adam Schikora, date: 03/20/2015, view: 26440, Q&A: 0
The plant cell wall is a physical barrier, which fulfills a plethora of functions, for example it can efficiently prevent pathogen’s entry into the cell. In addition, its changing composition contributes to plants inducible defense mechanisms. This layer of defense includes pathogen perception and is followed by the activation of defense responses resulting, among others, in a modification and remodeling of the cell wall. This relatively late defense response (hours or days after contact with pathogen) comprises the accumulation of polysaccharides, such as the 1,3-ß-glucan callose, phenolic compounds and reactive oxygen species. Callose depositions occur during normal plant growth (e.g. in the phloem), they can be also a response to different stress stimuli. During the response to pathogen attack, callose depositions are essential part of cell wall reinforcement and are important for successful plant defense. Here, we describe a method to stain callose apposition spots, which can be used to quantify this defense response.
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