Methods for Xyloglucan Structure Analysis in Brachypodium distachyon.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has become an important tool for the analysis of biomolecules, such as DNA, peptides, and oligosaccharides. This technique has been developed as a rapid, sensitive, and accurate means for analyzing cell wall polysaccharide structures. Here, we describe a method using mass spectrometry to provide xyloglucan composition and structure information of Brachypodium plants which will be useful for functional characterization of xyloglucan biosynthesis pathway in Brachypodium distachyon.