• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.271-291
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• 2022

Pectin methylesterase (PME) plays an important role in vegetative and reproductive development and biotic/abiotic stress responses by regulating the degree of methyl-esterification of pectic polysaccharides in the plant cell wall. PMEs are encoded by a large multigene family in higher land plant genomes. In general, the expression of plant PME genes shows tissue- or cell-specific patterns and is induced by endogenous and exogenous stimuli. In this study, we identified PME multigene family members (CsPMEs) from the sweet orange genome and report detailed molecular characterization and expression profiling in different citrus tissues and two fruit developmental stages. We also discussed the possible functional roles of some CsPME genes by comparing them with the known functions of PMEs from other plant species. We identified 48 CsPME genes from the citrus genome. A phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that the identified CsPMEs were divided into two groups/types. Some CsPMEs showed very close phylogenetic relationships with the PMEs whose functions were formerly addressed in Arabidopsis, tomato, and maize. Expression profiling showed that some CsPME genes are highly or specifically expressed in the leaf, root, flower, or fruit. Based on the phylogenetic relationships and gene expression profiling results, we suggest that some CsPMEs could play functional roles in pollen development, pollen tube growth, cross incompatibility, root development, embryo/seed development, stomata movement, and biotic/abiotic stress responses. Our results shed light on the biological roles of individual CsPME isoforms and contribute to the search for genetic variations in citrus genetic resources.

• Culinary science and hospitality research
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.54-64
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• 2014

In order to enhance the firmness of retorted onion, long time, low temperature blanching(LTLT) in calcium solution was conducted. Pre-heating onion in calcium solution significantly improved its texture after high temperature sterilization as compared to conventional blanching alone. The improvement of the firmness by the LTLT blanching is related to the formation of strongly cross-linkages between carboxyl groups and divalent cations($Ca^{2+}$) by the action of pectin methy-lesterase(PME) in onion. A maximum firmness of retorted onion was obtained at the condition of pre-heating at $70^{\circ}C$ for 120min in 0.5%calcium solution. This result supports that the activity of PME and the content of bonded calcium in onion were highest at $70^{\circ}C$. Additionally, the reaction of alkali calcium with various divalent cations such as $Mg^{2+}$ provided a function to hydrolyze pectin molecules, resulting in firmer retorted onion in various calcium agents. Further investigation should be carried out to determine the optimal condition for prevention of tissue softening of various retorted vegetables.