|
Below is a list of the main conlusions obtained in this study related to the characterization of the Arabidopsis genes that encode putative plant-specific proteins.
|
At least 14% of Arabidopsis genes encode putative plant-specific proteins
More than half of the putative plant-specific proteins have unknown function.
This is in stark contrast to what seen for proteins with similar sequences in all organisms used in this study. These proteins often have known function and are almost entirely absent from the unknown category of the MIPS functional classification scheme.
This emphasizes the underdevelopment of the study of plant-specific proteins and processes. By providing a list of these proteins and extensive information about them from multiple databases, this project facilitates their functional characterization. The study of proteins that fall in this group may lead to the discovery of important and novel aspect of some plant processes. To begin exploring the list of putative plant-specific proteins follow this link
13% of the plant-specific proteins with known or putative function are transcription factors.
Plant-specific proteins are under-represented in the "Metabolism" category of the MIPS functional classification as compared to the whole genome.
Moreover, the plant-specific proteins that are classified in the "Metabolism" category appear to be mainly involved in secondary metabolism.
A majority of the genes enconding plant-specific proteins, that are represented on the Arabidopsis Functional Genomics Consortium cDNA microarray, show organ preferential expression
The proportion that exhibit this organ preferential expression is higher than the expected proportion based on pure chance (statistically significant).
|
|
