Identification of Functional Characteristics of the CesA4 Gene in Arabidopsis thaliana Under Nitrogen and Potassium Deficiency

Introduction
Cellulose is the primary component of plant cell walls, playing an essential role in maintaining cell structure, integrity, and overall plant development. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the CesA4 gene encodes one of the cellulose synthase catalytic subunits that is critical for secondary cell wall biosynthesis. The secondary cell wall is particularly vital in vascular tissues, enabling effective water and nutrient transport. Despite its established role in cellulose production, the specific contributions of CesA4 under nutrient stress, such as nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) deficiency, remain largely unexplored. Nitrogen and potassium are two essential macronutrients influencing plant growth and development. Nitrogen is vital for protein synthesis and metabolic processes, while potassium regulates enzyme activation, osmoregulation, and nutrient transport. This project aims to elucidate the functional characteristics of CesA4 in plant growth and adaptation under N and K deficiencies using a mutant-based approach.
Objectives
The primary objective of this study is to investigate how CesA4 influences plant responses to N and K deficiency. The specific goals include examining growth and developmental changes in CesA4 mutants (CesA4) under nutrient stress and assessing physiological parameters such as biomass production, chlorophyll content. The study will focus on understanding the gene's role in regulating plant responses to nutrient shortages and its impact on vascular tissue development.