This research focuses on understanding the significance and role of biotin enzymes in plant metabolism. To achieve this goal the unique somatic embryogenesis system of carrot has been utilized to study these proteins. During the development of somatic embryos of carrot the steady state levels of one of the six biotin-containing polypeptides increases dramatically. This biotin protein has been purified and polyclonal antibodies against it have been prepared. Using these antibodies a cDNA clone coding for this biotin protein has been isolated. This novel biotin protein is being investigated through the utilization of these antibodies and the cDNA clone as specific probes to investigate this novel biotin protein. These investigations concentrate on elucidating the function and regulation of this biotin enzyme. Initial experiments with the antibodies have identified this biotin protein as representing an acetyl CoA carboxylase. The function of this form of acetyl-CoA carboxylase in plant metabolism is being elucidated by 1) identifying the subcellular and tissue distribution of this protein in the carrot plant and 2) elucidating the molecular genetic mechanisms that regulate the accumulation of this protein in response to developmental and environmental signals. Biotin is an essential component of a set of enzymes that have important metabolic functions. The structure, function and regulation of a number of biotin enzymes is extensively studied in a diverse set of organisms. However, very little is known about the biotin enzymes of plants. This research investigates the function and regulation of plant biotin- containing enzymes in order to provide a better understanding of their role in plant metabolism.***//
