Characterization of a vacuolar sucrose transporter, HbSUT5, from Hevea brasiliensis: Involvement in latex production through regulation of intracellular sucrose transport in the bark and laticifers

Sucrose (Suc), as the precursor molecule for rubber biosynthesis in Hevea brasiliensis, is transported via phloem-mediated long-distance transport from leaves to laticifers in trunk bark, where latex (cytoplasm of laticifers) is tapped for rubber.