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The goo‐d stuff: Plantago as a myxospermous model with modern utility
Author(s) -
Cowley James M.,
Burton Rachel A.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/nph.17095
Subject(s) - mucilage , plantago , computational biology , biochemical engineering , biology , botany , microbiology and biotechnology , chemistry , engineering
Summary Mucilage, a gel‐like layer formed around wetted seeds in a process called myxospermy, has importance as a proxy for studying cell wall polysaccharide biosynthesis and interactions and as a source of valuable health supplements and hydrocolloids. Arabidopsis thaliana has provided unrivalled insight into mucilage/cell wall synthesis, but its lack of commercial utility presents an opportunity to develop an alternative myxospermous model linking genetics, chemistry and functionality. Here, we discuss recent advances in the understanding of mucilage production, composition and properties of Plantago , a promising candidate as an alternative model with economic relevance. We outline how genomic/transcriptomic and chemical analysis advances could be made to strengthen Plantago 's use as a model system, through challenging but achievable approaches.