Unit of Research in Plant Cellular and Molecular Biology

The laboratory is involved in the study of structural and reserve plant polysaccharides and the enzyme systems that synthesize or degrade them. On one hand, we study plant cell wall polysaccharides (essentially pectins but also hemicelluloses) in relation with ion exchange, wall cohesion and defense as well as morphogenetic signal transduction (flower transition, maturation). We also produce immunological probes to several plant polysaccharides, some of which of industrial interest. On the other hand, we carry out a more applied research on reserve polyfructans (the inulin produced by the chicory root), with the help of industry. In collaboration with neighbouring institutions, we develop a genomic and a proteomic research on the enzymes involved in inulin synthesis and degradation.