The role of a Polyphenol from Myrothamnus flabellifolius in the protection of membranes during desiccation-using liposomes as a model membrane system

A deficiency of water is a common stress experienced by plants. Dehydration of plant tissue results in altered protein and lipid ultrastructure responsible for membrane stabilisation leading inevitably to the death of the plant. Some plants known as resurrection plants have evolved with the ability to survive dehydration to less than 2% water content, a property known as desiccation tolerance. Recently a polyphenol extracted from the leaves of a common African resurrection tree Myrothamnus flabellifolius Welw. has been isolated and characterised as 3,4,5-tri-O-galloylquinic acid. This study has investigated the role which this polyphenol may play in desiccation tolerance.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Molecular and Cell Biology

Year dc:date.issued

2002

Author dc:creator

• Westalle, Kim Louise

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Lindsey, George G
• Brandt, Wolf F

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/4351

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/4351