Work

The protein storage vacuole

Year: 2001

Type: article

Abstract: Storage proteins are deposited into protein storage vacuoles (PSVs) during plant seed development and maturation and stably accumulate to high levels; subsequently, during germination the storage proteins are rapidly degraded to provide nutrients for use by the embryo. Here, we show that a PSV has within it a membrane-bound compartment containing crystals of phytic acid and proteins that are characteristic of a lytic vacuole. This compound organization, a vacuole within a vacuole whereby storage functions are separated from lytic functions, has not been described previously for organelles within the secretory pathway of eukaryotic cells. The partitioning of storage and lytic functions within the same vacuole may reflect the need to keep the functions separate during seed development and maturation and yet provide a ready source of digestive enzymes to initiate degradative processes early in germination.

Source: The Journal of Cell Biology

DOI: 10.1083/jcb.200107012

Authors: Liwen Jiang, Thomas E. Phillips, Christopher A. Hamm, Yolanda M. Drozdowicz, Philip A. Rea, Masayoshi Maeshima, Sally W. Rogers, John C. Rogers

Institutions: Chinese University of Hong Kong, University of Missouri, Washington State University, University of Pennsylvania, Nagoya University

Language: English

Topic: Cellular transport and secretion

Subfield: Cell Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W2029329199

FWCI: 2.121

Cites: 51

Cited by: 194

Related to: 9