Mutant Gene Could Change Our Understanding of Cellulose Biosynthesis: Fuel, Food, and Fiber- Investigating the Physiological Responses in Arabidopsis FKF1 Mutant

This research explores the complex phenomena of cellulose biosynthesis. We are working with a specific blue light receptor mutant (fkf1) which showed enhanced cellulose and chlorophyll contents compared to wild type plants. It is hypothesized the mutants have higher photosynthetic efficiency due to enhanced chlorophyll content. Controlled environment plant growth chambers are being constructed to measure CO2 gas exchange. Differences in gas exchange will allow for measurements of photosynthetic and respiration rates. This research will increase the understanding of how the FKF1 protein is modulating physiological responses in order to co-ordinate development with delayed flowering time and increased cellulose content.