Mechanisms of Lignin Biosynthesis During Xylogenesis in Zinnia elegans. Final report

The original plan for this project was to use Zinnia elegans and its xylogenic cell differentiation system to dissect the role(s) played in lignin deposition by the three classes of laccases (p-diphenoloxidases) the authors had previously detected in zinnia stem extracts. The project, was broadly divided into two general areas--biochemistry/enzymology and molecular biology/genetic engineering--each of which was pursued by one of two graduate students. As noted in the attached publication list, DOE funding for this project facilitated the publication of five (5) research papers, and two (2) more papers slated for peer-review publication are currently nearing completion. In addition, our research results were presented at nine(9) national and international scientific meetings over the past four years. Some of the major findings reported in theses papers and presentations are summarized