Protein Trafficking in Plant Cells, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1998

The highly structured eucaryotic cell with its complex division of biochemical labour requires a distinct protein complement in each cellular structure and compartment. Nuclear coded and cytosolically synthesized polypeptides are specifically sorted to every corner of the cell in a post- or co-translational manner. The presence of separate genomes and protein translation machineries in plastids and mitochondria requires further coordination not only on the transcriptional, translational but also most likely on the protein import level. Numerous different protein transport systems have developed and coexist within plant cells to ensure the specific and selective composition of every sub-cellular compartment.
This volume summarizes the current knowledge on protein trafficking in plant cells. Aside from the fundamental aspects in cell biology of how specific pre-protein sorting and translocation across biological membranes is achieved, a major focus is on transport, modification and deposition of plant storage proteins. The increasing use of plants as bioreactors to provide custom-designed proteins of different usage requires detailed understanding of these events.
This text is directed not only at students and professionals in plant cell and molecular biology but also at those involved in horticulture and plant breeding. It is intended to serve as a text and guide for graduate-level courses on plant cell biology and as a valuable supplement to courses in plant physiology and development. Scientists in other disciplines who wish to learn more about protein translocation in plants will also find this text an up-to-date source of information and reference.

The endoplasmic reticulum of plant cells and its role in protein maturation and biogenesis of oil bodies.- N-Glycoprotein biosynthesis in plants: recent developments and future trends.- The molecular characterization of transport vesicles.- Deposition of storage proteins.- Compartment-specific accumulation of recombinant immunogloblins in plant cells: an essential tool for antibody production and immunomodulation of physiological functions and pathogen activity.- Exocytosis in plants.- Sorting of proteins to vacuoles in plant cells.- The nuclear pore complex.- The surprising complexity of peroxisome biogenesis.- Protein translocation into and across the chloroplastic envelope membranes.- Multiple pathways for the targeting of thylakoid proteins in chloroplasts membranes.- The role of lipids in plastid protein transport.- Protein import into cyanelles and complex chloroplasts.- Two birds with one stone: genes that encode products targeted to two or more compartments.- Intercellular protein trafficking through plasmodesmata.- Mitochondrial protein import in plants.

Students, professionals