A class of macromolecules known as arabinogalactan-proteins (AGPs), that are present both at the outside surface of the plasma membrane and in the cell wall space of plant cells, will be investigated. Because AGPs have the ability to bind carbohydrates and are localized on the surface of the plasma membrane, they may play an important role at the membrane- cell wall interface in terms of cellular responses. The main objectives of the investigation are to compare the structure of AGPs on the cell wall with that of AGPs in plasma membrane, to study AGP interaction with some antigens, to characterize an enzyme that destroys the carbohydrate binding properties of plasma membrane AGPs, and to characterize the interaction between the AGPs and the plasma membrane with those in the cell wall. The project will increase our knowledge about the structural components of plasma membrane in plant cells and interaction of those components with the cell wall. Knowledge gained from this could eventually lead to a better understanding of cell adhesion, water retention, disease resistance and cell-cell recognition in plant cells.
