Plant Cell Wall Structure. Despite years of intense research, the chemical and biochemical aspects of plant cell wall structure and development remain obscure. We are interested in the relationship between the structural components of the woody cell wall and the role polysaccharides and lignin play in generating the biopolymer matrix. Current investigations center on the covalent relationship between lignin and polysaccharides, as well as the role tannins play in woody cell wall maturation. Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Carbohydrates are ubiquitous in nature and their properties and uses are too numerous to mention.
Projects in this area include improving the fermentation efficiency of xylose to ethanol for use as liquid fuels, and the structural elucidation of polysaccharides. Cyanobacteria can photosynthesize as well as fix nitrogen, thus they are very capable at surviving at locations such as deserts, Antarctica and asphalt shingle roofs. This is a joint effort between the Helm Lab and the Laboratory of Dr. Malcolm Potts, Department of Biochemistry.