We recognize the 40 or so different plant cell types by their characteristic shapes and sizes. However, without its cell wall, the naked protoplast is spherical and is not capable of dividing, growing, or becoming specialized for function. Molecules of the cell wall provide mechanical strength, regulate porosity, and control cell-cell adhesion. The functions of the wall are not only mechanical but also biological. Like the animal extracellular matrix, plant cell walls are a source of signaling molecules that elicit a range of cell behaviors, committing the cell to particular developmental programs. The goal of my research is to understand how the molecular machinery of the plant cell wall contributes to cell growth and specialization, and thus to the final stature and form of plants.

Bio Sketch
Maureen McCann received her undergraduate degree from the University of Cambridge, UK, in 1987 and then did her Ph.D. at the John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK, a government-funded research institute for plant and microbial sciences. It was during her studentship that she began working with colleagues in the Institute for Food Research, just across the road from the John Innes Centre, to apply Fourier Transform infrared microspectroscopy to plant cell walls. She stayed at the John Innes Centre for a post-doctoral, partly funded by Unilever, and then as a project leader with her own group from 1995, funded by The Royal Society. In January 2003, she moved across the Atlantic to Purdue University to enjoy watching the corn grow.

Her research interests centre on the functions of cell wall molecules in cell growth and differentiation. The goal of her lab is to understand how the molecular machinery of the plant cell wall contributes to the processes of cell growth and specialisation, and thus to the final stature and form of plants.

Minutes of May 6, 2005 Meeting
The Plant Extracellular Matrix
by Dr. Maureen McCann, Purdue University

SMSI meetings traditionally include an hour prior to the actual presentation for dinner and an opportunity to socialize. This evening was no exception, and members fully utilized the opportunity to ‘pick the brain” of Dr. McCann.

The formal presentation began on time (7:30pm), and began with a few words from President Bill Mikuska. Brian J. Ford, it was announced, would serve as auctioneer at the Annual Auction (taking place at the annual meeting in July). Bill also relayed a personal story of his unsuccessful efforts in purchasing and importing a high power green laser pointer.

Dr. McCann’s spoke in detail of the composition of plant cells, particularly cell walls, and the techniques she uses in her research. The techniques included “Fast-Freeze Deep Etching” for electron microscopy (which freezes vitreous ice – not crystalline ice), staining with monoclonal antibodies, and the use of Fourier Transform Infrared Microspectroscopy. She mentioned that cellular orientation could be observed with Polarized Infrared. The presentation included beautiful electron micrographs, spectra, and other illustrations.

Respectfully Submitted,
Robert Kuksuk
Recording Secretary