This project focuses on the initial hydrolysis of triacylglycerols to fatty acids in seeds. Lipase catalyzes the first step in the overall gluconeogenesis and thus may be the rate-controlling, and there is evidence that its action is subjected to internal and external controls. The triacylglycerols surrounded by a half-unit membrane. In this project, the specific binding between the maize lipase and lipid bodies will be probed. Their recognition signals will be studied by different biochemical methods and by analyses of the protein structures via their amino acid sequences. Site-directed mutagenesis of the proteins will also be performed to complement the above studies in pinpointing the binding sites. The general pattern of the findings on maize will be extended to cotton lipases.%%% Seed germination and post germinative growth represent an active and dynamic period of the life cycle. The system offers an ideal opportunity for the study of metabolism and development. The most prominent aspect of metabolism in seed germination is the mobilization of food reserves to support the growth of the embryo. In the storage tissues of seeds, three major food reserves are present; namely, lipids, protein, and starch. Most seeds contain a sizable amount of lipids, with notable exception in cereal grains. Even in cereals, some (2-5% of seed weight) storage lipid is present in various parts of the grains, depending on the species and variety. Lipids are good food storage in seeds since on a per volume basis they possess about twice as much energy as starch or proteins. The storage lipid is mobilized to provide carbon skeleton and energy for growing embryonic axis. This project supports studies on how lipids are utilized in seeds.***//
