Recently we acquired fundamental knowledge of the spatial and temporal development of both types of starch granules in amyloplasts. In transient expression studies using reporter genes encoding fluorescent proteins that are imported into amyloplasts, sizes and shapes of amyloplasts are being studied during endosperm development in living cells. Furthermore, the influence of abiotic factors such as light or temperature on the formation of starch granules is being analyzed. Part of our research is focussed on Reversibly Glycosylating Proteins. The role of these RGPs is obscure.
Suggested functions involve cell wall synthesis and initiation of starch biosynthesis.
Several cDNA clones were isolated from wheat and rice endosperm encoding RGPs, and their role in starch biosynthesis is being studied. Application of this knowledge Fundamental knowledge about the formation of starch granules and the factors that influences this formation can be used in designing stratagies to change the ratio of large and small granules and thereby improving the raw material quality. Furthermore, this knowledge can be used to determine and influence, in an early stage of wheat development, the final quality of starch. Sandra M.J. Langeveld, Ringo van Wijk, Nico Stuurman, Jan W. Kijne and Sylvia de Pater. B-type granule containing protrusions and interconnections between amyloplasts in developing wheat endosperm revealed by transmission electron microscopy and GFP expression.