The rice BRITTLE CULM 4 gene encodes a membrane protein affecting cellulose synthesis in the secondary cell wall.

ABSTRACT: The formation of secondary cell walls, which provide mechanical strength to the plant body, depends on numerous factors. Studies on rice brittle culm (bc) mutants allow us to identify these factors and gain insights into the mechanisms of secondary cell wall formation. Rice bc4 is a recessive bc mutant with fragile culms and leaves, similar to other bc mutants. We found that the bc4 mutant exhibited reduced cellulose content in the culm cell walls compared to the japonica cultivar Taichung 65 and the indica cultivar Kasalath, while hemicellulose content remained unchanged. Transmission electron microscopy revealed reduced cell wall thickness in the sclerenchyma cells of the bc4 culm, indicating that BC4 contributes to normal cellulose synthesis or deposition in secondary cell walls. Positi

SUBMITTER: Yamaguchi M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12540249 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature