schematic of lignin sidechain pathway (IMAGE)

DOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory

schematic of lignin sidechain pathway

Caption

Brookhaven Lab scientists identified an enzyme (PHBMT1) that transfers p-hydoxybenzoate (green) to lignin building blocks in poplar. The resulting conjugate is then incorporated into the nascent lignin polymer, leading to p-hydoxybenzoate-decorated lignin. The discovery may enable scientists to engineer plants to accumulate more of this important industrial chemical building block.

Credit

Brookhaven National Laboratory

Usage Restrictions

OK for use with stories about this research.

License

Original content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.