BESC – A Serine Hydroxymethyltransferase Regulates Cell Wall Biosynthesis and Recalcitrance in Populus

A gene is a key regulator of plant cell wall biosynthesis. Change in the expression level of this gene in Populus plants results in altered cell wall chemistry. Specifically, increasing expression of this gene can lead to an increase in the release of glucose and combined sugars (glucose and xylose) from transgenic Populus. This may facilitate a more efficient conversion of biomass to sugar monomers and through fermentation can lead to a desirable conversion rate of cellulosic ethanol. The increased expression of this gene in Populus also led to a significant increase in estimated plant biomass as well as an increase in S/G lignin composition which correlates to increased sugar release.

---

---