Suberin
in roots is deposited in the cell walls of the endodermis (Casparian
bands) and the hypodermis forming apoplastic transport barriers between
the soil and roots. Using analytical techniques, such as gas chromatography
and mass spectrometry, characterization of the chemical composition
of endodermal and hypodermal root cell walls is carried out (Franke
et al. 2005). Elongases and P450
hydroxylases involved in suberin biosynthesis in roots are analysed
by molecular biological and biochemical techniques (Franke & Schreiber
2007). In order to relate the chemical composition of endodermal
and hypodermal root cell walls to their function as apoplastic transport
barriers, radial transport of solutes, water (Schreiber
et al. 2005) and oxygen (De
Simone et al. 2003) is measured.
Isolation
of suberized Casparian bands from Clivia miniata roots.
