Our research focuses on these transport events and on the development of cells specialised for these transport functions. In addition, we address the relationship between membrane transport and subsequent storage of the transported nutrients. Key morphological features of developing broad bean and wheat seeds in relation to the cellular pathway of nutrient transport illustrated diagrammatically. Honours projects available in the current research programs are outlined below. Turgor regulation of sucrose release transporters in seed coats Sucrose release from seed coats determines the level of sucrose available for cotyledon growth and storage and hence seed yield.
Cotyledons communicate their demand for sucrose to the seed coat through cell turgor signals.
Transport will use seed coats and plasma membrane vesicles prepared from seed coats. Access is now available to mutant and genetically-modified cotyledons. An Honours project will use this material to test this hypothesis directly. Prof. John W Patrick, Assoc. If sucrose symporter activity is key to determining seed growth rates, it is imperative to understand regulation of its transport activity.