Moreover, a number of regulatory genes induced in cork have been identified, including MYB, No-Apical-Meristem, and WRKY transcription factors with putative functions in meristem identity and cork differentiation. This list includes genes for the synthesis, transport, and polymerization of suberin monomers such as components of the fatty acid elongase complexes, ATP-binding cassette transporters, and acyltransferases, among others. Based on the results, a list of candidate genes relevant for cork was obtained. To identify genes more specifically required for suberin biosynthesis, cork expressed sequence tags were printed on a microarray and subsequently used to compare cork (phellem) to a non-suberin-producing tissue such as wood (xylem). Furthermore, 19% could be related to regulatory functions. Out of these genes, 43.5% were classified as the main pathways needed for cork biosynthesis. A suppression subtractive hybridization library from cork tree bark was prepared containing 236 independent sequences 69% showed significant homology to database sequences and they corresponded to 135 unique genes. Here, we address this question by combining suppression subtractive hybridization together with cDNA microarrays, using as a model the external bark of the cork tree ( Quercus suber), from which bottle cork is obtained. Although suberin deposition and cork formation are essential for survival of land plants, molecular studies have rarely been conducted on this tissue.

Cork cells are made impervious by the deposition of suberin onto cell walls. Cork (phellem) is a multilayered dead tissue protecting plant mature stems and roots and plant healing tissues from water loss and injuries.

From under the cork tree download zip