9506195 Gal Proteins are the major structural and enzymatic component of the cell. The level of these essential compounds is dependent not only on the level of synthesis, but also on the level of breakdown by proteolytic enzymes. Despite their identification and study since early in this century, proteases have been primarily analyzed only in vitro. This includes analysis of their substrate specificity, pH optimum and inhibitor susceptibility. But, the role of these enzymes in plant physiology can at present only be speculated from these studies. Proteases have been implicated in such processes as leaf senescence, organ abscission, seed germination and resource reutilization, but are likely to be involved at many other stages of plant growth where protein degradation is important. For example, expression of a number of specific protein products is hampered by their instability due to natural mechanisms of protein degradation in some tissues. Relatively little is known about the mechanisms of proteolytic degradation in plants, so this proposed work will identify the proteases in Arabidopsis thaliana. The goal is to determine the role of the these enzymes in plants and which one(s) affect the accumulation of desirable proteins. Not only will this work set the stage for understanding how proteolysis controls a number of cellular processes, but may also lead to new approaches in plant biotechnology where protein levels are critical for maintenance of a desirable phenotype. The State University of New York at Binghamton prides itself on its excellence in teaching and research. Dr. Gal's educational objectives during this granting period would support that role of the university and the department. The goal is to integrate teaching and research by bringing more research into course teaching and by bringing a teaching framework to the undergraduate and graduate students in the laboratory and the department. This would equip the students with the cri tical thinking skills needed for a lifetime of learning in biology.
