Structure and Function of Sulphate Transporters From Plants

Uptake of sulphate by plant root is essential for growth. Sulphate uptake is mediated by specific transporter proteins, which are homologous to those found in other species. Human homologs have been implicated in several genetic diseases. Transporter proteins form the interface between plant and environment but little is known about how they operate at a molecular level. Site-directed mutagenesis will be used to identify amino acids essential for function and the transmembrane topology will be determined. Fundamental knowledge of the molecular mechanism of sulphate transporters will be obtained, and this may have significance for sulphate transport diseased and crop productivity.