1
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Sarangle Y, Bamel K, Purty RS. Role of acetylcholine and acetylcholinesterase in improving abiotic stress resistance/tolerance. Commun Integr Biol 2024; 17:2353200. [PMID: 38827581 PMCID: PMC11141473 DOI: 10.1080/19420889.2024.2353200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Abiotic stress that plants face may impact their growth and limit their productivity. In response to abiotic stress, several endogenous survival mechanisms get activated, including the synthesis of quaternary amines in plants. Acetylcholine (ACh), a well-known quaternary amine, and its components associated with cholinergic signaling are known to contribute to a variety of physiological functions. However, their role under abiotic stress is not well documented. Even after several studies, there is a lack of a comprehensive understanding of how cholinergic components mitigate abiotic stress in plants. Acetylcholine hydrolyzing enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) belongs to the GDSL lipase/acylhydrolase protein family and has been found in several plant species. Several studies have demonstrated that GDSL members are involved in growth, development, and abiotic stress. This review summarizes all the possible mitigating effects of the ACh-AChE system on abiotic stress tolerance and will try to highlight all the progress made so far in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashika Sarangle
- University School of Biotechnology, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi, India
| | - Kiran Bamel
- Department of Botany, Shivaji College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Ram Singh Purty
- University School of Biotechnology, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi, India
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2
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Lee J, Segundo-Ortin M, Calvo P. Decision Making in Plants: A Rooted Perspective. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:plants12091799. [PMID: 37176857 PMCID: PMC10181133 DOI: 10.3390/plants12091799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
This article discusses the possibility of plant decision making. We contend that recent work on bacteria provides a pertinent perspective for thinking about whether plants make choices. Specifically, the analogy between certain patterns of plant behaviour and apparent decision making in bacteria provides principled grounds for attributing decision making to the former. Though decision making is our focus, the discussion has implications for the wider issue of whether and why plants (and non-neural organisms more generally) are appropriate targets for cognitive abilities. Moreover, decision making is especially relevant to the issue of plant intelligence as it is commonly taken to be characteristic of cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonny Lee
- Minimal Intelligence Laboratory (MINT Lab), University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Department of Philosophy, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Miguel Segundo-Ortin
- Minimal Intelligence Laboratory (MINT Lab), University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Department of Philosophy, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Paco Calvo
- Minimal Intelligence Laboratory (MINT Lab), University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Department of Philosophy, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
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3
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The Basse-Terre Island of Guadeloupe (Eastern Caribbean, France) and Its Volcanic-Hydrothermal Geodiversity: A Case Study of Challenges, Perspectives, and New Paradigms for Resilience and Sustainability on Volcanic Islands. GEOSCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/geosciences11110454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The volcanic-hydrothermal geo-diversity of the Basse-Terre Island of Guadeloupe archipelago (Eastern Caribbean, France) is a major asset of the Caribbean bio-geoheritage. In this paper, we use Guadeloupe as a representative of many small island developing states (SIDS), to show that the volcanic-hydrothermal geodiversity is a major resource and strategic thread for resilience and sustainability. These latter are related to the specific richness of Guadeloupe’s volcanic-geothermal diversity, which is de facto inalienable even in the wake of climate change and natural risks that are responsible for this diversity, i.e., volcanic eruptions. We propose the interweaving the specificity of volcanic-geothermal diversity into planning initiatives for resilience and sustainability. Among these initiatives research and development programs focused on the knowledge of geodiversity, biodiversity and related resources and risks are central for the long-term management of the water resource, lato sensu. Such a management should include a comprehensive scientific observatory for the characterization, exploration, and sustainable exploitation of the volcanic-hydrothermal geodiversity alongside planning for and mitigating geophysical risks related to sudden volcanic-induced phenomena and long-term systemic drifts due to climate change. The results of this exercise for Guadeloupe could typify innovative paths for similar SIDS around their own volcanic-hydrothermal geodiversity.
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4
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Miguel-Tomé S, Llinás RR. Broadening the definition of a nervous system to better understand the evolution of plants and animals. PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2021; 16:1927562. [PMID: 34120565 PMCID: PMC8331040 DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2021.1927562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Most textbook definitions recognize only animals as having nervous systems. However, for the past couple decades, botanists have been meticulously studying long-distance signaling systems in plants, and some researchers have stated that plants have a simple nervous system. Thus, an academic conflict has emerged between those who defend and those who deny the existence of a nervous system in plants. This article analyses that debate, and we propose an alternative to answering yes or no: broadening the definition of a nervous system to include plants. We claim that a definition broader than the current one, which is based only on a phylogenetic viewpoint, would be helpful in obtaining a deeper understanding of how evolution has driven the features of signal generation, transmission and processing in multicellular beings. Also, we propose two possible definitions and exemplify how broader a definition allows for new viewpoints on the evolution of plants, animals and the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Miguel-Tomé
- Grupo De Investigación En Minería De Datos (Mida), Universidad De Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Rodolfo R. Llinás
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, USA
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5
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Baluška F, Mancuso S. Individuality, self and sociality of vascular plants. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2021; 376:20190760. [PMID: 33550947 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular plants are integrated into coherent bodies via plant-specific synaptic adhesion domains, action potentials (APs) and other means of long-distance signalling running throughout the plant bodies. Plant-specific synapses and APs are proposed to allow plants to generate their self identities having unique ways of sensing and acting as agents with their own goals guiding their future activities. Plants move their organs with a purpose and with obvious awareness of their surroundings and require APs to perform and control these movements. Self-identities allow vascular plants to act as individuals enjoying sociality via their self/non-self-recognition and kin recognition. Flowering plants emerge as cognitive and intelligent organisms when the major strategy is to attract and control their animal pollinators as well as seed dispersers by providing them with food enriched with nutritive and manipulative/addictive compounds. Their goal in interactions with animals is manipulation for reproduction, dispersal and defence. This article is part of the theme issue 'Basal cognition: multicellularity, neurons and the cognitive lens'.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefano Mancuso
- Department of Agrifood Production and Environmental Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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6
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Abstract
When Jagdish Chandra Bose, a renowned physicist, devoted himself entirely to research in the field of plant physiology post his superannuation at Presidency University, Kolkata, India (earlier known as Presidency College, Calcutta), it came as a surprise to many. The research on plant nervous system by JC Bose during this period was pioneering in nature, being recognized by recent plant biologists globally as the first in the field. His findings were so revolutionary at the time of their proclamation that these aroused disbelief and contradiction. Surprisingly, not many at that time took up such investigations and once accepted with reluctance, there was practically very little activity in the field for the next several decades. More than a hundred years later, recent advances in molecular biology, genomics, ecology and neurophysiology have led to renewed interest resulting in a flurry of activity, confirming most of Bose's observations. The present review describes this pioneering scientist's work and his immense contribution in the emergence of the discipline now designated as 'Plant Neurobiology'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Narain Tandon
- National Research Professor, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
- President, National Brain Research Centre, Gurgaon, India
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7
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Debono MW, Souza GM. Plants as electromic plastic interfaces: A mesological approach. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 146:123-133. [PMID: 30826433 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2019.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In this manuscript, we propose that plants are eco-plastic and electromic interfaces that can drive emergent intelligent behaviours from synchronized electrical networks. Behind the semantic and anthropocentric problems related by many authors to the extensive use of the terms cognition, intelligence or even 'consciousness' for plants, we suggest a more pragmatic perspective, considering the vegetal world to be a complex biosystemic entity that is able to co-build the world or a form of the world or of significant reality via a set of reciprocal, emerging and confluent interactions. Speaking of adaptive sensory modalities involving perceptual binding or a global state of receptivity nonlinearly leading to cognitive functions, learning capabilities and intelligent behaviours of plants seem to be the more realistic and operational model to describe how plants perceive and treat environmental data. In this study, we strongly suggest that the electrome, which mainly involves constant spontaneous emission of low voltage potentials, is an early marker and a unifying factor of whole plant reactivity in a constantly changing environment and is therefore the key to understanding the cognitive nature of plants. This dynamic coupling enables plants to be knowledge-accumulating systems that are used by evolution to progress and survive, while mesological plasticity is a unique means for plants to interact as subjects with their milieu (umwelt) or natural habitat and to co-signify a possible world.
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8
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Chaffey N, Volkmann D, Baluška F. The botanical multiverse of Peter Barlow. Commun Integr Biol 2019; 12:14-30. [PMID: 31156759 PMCID: PMC6529214 DOI: 10.1080/19420889.2019.1575788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Dr Peter Barlow, who died in 2017, was one of the most respected botanists and biologists of the latter half of the 20th Century. His interests covered a wide range of plant biological topics, e.g. root growth and development, plant cytoskeleton, effects of gravity, plant intelligence, pattern formation, and evolution of eukaryotic cells. Here we consider Peter's numerous contributions to the: elucidation of plant patterns; understanding of root biology; role of the plant cytoskeleton in growth and development; influence of the Moon on terrestrial vegetation; Cell Body concept; and plant neurobiology. In so doing we attempt not only to provide an overview of Peter's important work in many areas of plant biology, but also to place that work in the context of recent advances in plant and biological sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel Chaffey
- College of Liberal Arts, Bath Spa University, Bath, UK
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9
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Towards Systemic View for Plant Learning: Ecophysiological Perspective. MEMORY AND LEARNING IN PLANTS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-75596-0_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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10
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Conn A, Pedmale UV, Chory J, Stevens CF, Navlakha S. A Statistical Description of Plant Shoot Architecture. Curr Biol 2017; 27:2078-2088.e3. [PMID: 28690115 PMCID: PMC6130893 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2017.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Plant architectures can be characterized statistically by their spatial density function, which specifies the probability of finding a branch at each location in the territory occupied by a plant. Using high-precision 3D scanning, we analyzed 557 plant shoot architectures, representing three species, grown across three to five environmental conditions, and through 20-30 developmental time points. We found two elegant properties in the spatial density functions of these architectures: all functions could be nearly modified in one direction without affecting the density in orthogonal directions (called "separability"), and all functions shared the same underlying shape, aside from stretching and compression (called "self-similarity"). Surprisingly, despite their striking visual diversity, we discovered that all architectures could be described as variations on a single underlying function: a Gaussian density function truncated at roughly two SDs. We also observed systematic variation in the spatial density functions across species, growth conditions, and time, which suggests functional specialization despite following the same general design form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Conn
- Integrative Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Ullas V Pedmale
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Plant Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Joanne Chory
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Plant Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Charles F Stevens
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Saket Navlakha
- Integrative Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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11
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Calvo P, Friston K. Predicting green: really radical (plant) predictive processing. J R Soc Interface 2017; 14:20170096. [PMID: 28637913 PMCID: PMC5493793 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2017.0096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this article we account for the way plants respond to salient features of their environment under the free-energy principle for biological systems. Biological self-organization amounts to the minimization of surprise over time. We posit that any self-organizing system must embody a generative model whose predictions ensure that (expected) free energy is minimized through action. Plants respond in a fast, and yet coordinated manner, to environmental contingencies. They pro-actively sample their local environment to elicit information with an adaptive value. Our main thesis is that plant behaviour takes place by way of a process (active inference) that predicts the environmental sources of sensory stimulation. This principle, we argue, endows plants with a form of perception that underwrites purposeful, anticipatory behaviour. The aim of the article is to assess the prospects of a radical predictive processing story that would follow naturally from the free-energy principle for biological systems; an approach that may ultimately bear upon our understanding of life and cognition more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paco Calvo
- EIDYN Research Centre, and Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- MINT Lab, Departamento de Filosofía, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Karl Friston
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, Institute of Neurology UCL, 12 Queen Square, London, UK
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12
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The Cosmic Zoo: The (Near) Inevitability of the Evolution of Complex, Macroscopic Life. Life (Basel) 2016; 6:life6030025. [PMID: 27376334 PMCID: PMC5041001 DOI: 10.3390/life6030025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2016] [Revised: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Life on Earth provides a unique biological record from single-cell microbes to technologically intelligent life forms. Our evolution is marked by several major steps or innovations along a path of increasing complexity from microbes to space-faring humans. Here we identify various major key innovations, and use an analytical toolset consisting of a set of models to analyse how likely each key innovation is to occur. Our conclusion is that once the origin of life is accomplished, most of the key innovations can occur rather readily. The conclusion for other worlds is that if the origin of life can occur rather easily, we should live in a cosmic zoo, as the innovations necessary to lead to complex life will occur with high probability given sufficient time and habitat. On the other hand, if the origin of life is rare, then we might live in a rather empty universe.
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13
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Yamamoto K, Shida S, Honda Y, Shono M, Miyake H, Oguri S, Sakamoto H, Momonoki YS. Overexpression of acetylcholinesterase gene in rice results in enhancement of shoot gravitropism. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 465:488-93. [PMID: 26277389 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.08.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Acetylcholine (ACh), a known neurotransmitter in animals and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) exists widely in plants, although its role in plant signal transduction is unclear. We previously reported AChE in Zea mays L. might be related to gravitropism based on pharmacological study using an AChE inhibitor. Here we clearly demonstrate plant AChE play an important role as a positive regulator in the gravity response of plants based on a genetic study. First, the gene encoding a second component of the ACh-mediated signal transduction system, AChE was cloned from rice, Oryza sativa L. ssp. Japonica cv. Nipponbare. The rice AChE shared high homology with maize, siratro and Salicornia AChEs. Similar to animal and other plant AChEs, the rice AChE hydrolyzed acetylthiocholine and propionylthiocholine, but not butyrylthiocholine. Thus, the rice AChE might be characterized as an AChE (E.C.3.1.1.7). Similar to maize and siratro AChEs, the rice AChE exhibited low sensitivity to the AChE inhibitor, neostigmine bromide, compared with the electric eel AChE. Next, the functionality of rice AChE was proved by overexpression in rice plants. The rice AChE was localized in extracellular spaces of rice plants. Further, the rice AChE mRNA and its activity were mainly detected during early developmental stages (2 d-10 d after sowing). Finally, by comparing AChE up-regulated plants with wild-type, we found that AChE overexpression causes an enhanced gravitropic response. This result clearly suggests that the function of the rice AChE relate to positive regulation of gravitropic response in rice seedlings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Yamamoto
- Faculty of Bioindustry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 196 Yasaka, Abashiri, Hokkaido, 099-2493, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Shida
- Faculty of Bioindustry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 196 Yasaka, Abashiri, Hokkaido, 099-2493, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Honda
- Faculty of Bioindustry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 196 Yasaka, Abashiri, Hokkaido, 099-2493, Japan
| | - Mariko Shono
- Tropical Agriculture Research Front, Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences, Maezato-Kawarabaru, Ishigaki, Okinawa, 907-0002, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Miyake
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Suguru Oguri
- Faculty of Bioindustry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 196 Yasaka, Abashiri, Hokkaido, 099-2493, Japan
| | - Hikaru Sakamoto
- Faculty of Bioindustry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 196 Yasaka, Abashiri, Hokkaido, 099-2493, Japan
| | - Yoshie S Momonoki
- Faculty of Bioindustry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 196 Yasaka, Abashiri, Hokkaido, 099-2493, Japan.
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14
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Barlow PW. The natural history of consciousness, and the question of whether plants are conscious, in relation to the Hameroff-Penrose quantum-physical 'Orch OR' theory of universal consciousness. Commun Integr Biol 2015; 8:e1041696. [PMID: 26478778 PMCID: PMC4594572 DOI: 10.1080/19420889.2015.1041696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Revised: 03/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Peter W Barlow
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Bristol; Bristol Life Sciences Building; Bristol, UK
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15
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Pazderů K, Bláha L. Importance of plant integrity in crop research, breeding, and production. PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2013; 8:e27098. [PMID: 24301201 PMCID: PMC4091255 DOI: 10.4161/psb.27098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2013] [Revised: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Plant integrity looks like a "very easy and expanded topic," but the reality is totally different. Thanks to the very high specialization of scientists, we are losing a holistic view of plants and are making mistakes in our research due to this drawback. It is necessary to sense a plant in their whole complexity--in both roots and shoot, as well as throughout their life cycles. Only such an integrated approach can allow us to reach correct interpretations of our experimental results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kateřina Pazderů
- Czech University of Life Sciences Prague; Faculty of Agrobiology; Food and Natural Resources; Suchdol, Kamýcká
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16
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Baluška F, Mancuso S. Root apex transition zone as oscillatory zone. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2013; 4:354. [PMID: 24106493 PMCID: PMC3788588 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2013.00354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2013] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Root apex of higher plants shows very high sensitivity to environmental stimuli. The root cap acts as the most prominent plant sensory organ; sensing diverse physical parameters such as gravity, light, humidity, oxygen, and critical inorganic nutrients. However, the motoric responses to these stimuli are accomplished in the elongation region. This spatial discrepancy was solved when we have discovered and characterized the transition zone which is interpolated between the apical meristem and the subapical elongation zone. Cells of this zone are very active in the cytoskeletal rearrangements, endocytosis and endocytic vesicle recycling, as well as in electric activities. Here we discuss the oscillatory nature of the transition zone which, together with several other features of this zone, suggest that it acts as some kind of command center. In accordance with the early proposal of Charles and Francis Darwin, cells of this root zone receive sensory information from the root cap and instruct the motoric responses of cells in the elongation zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- František Baluška
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Botany, Department of Plant Cell Biology, University of BonnBonn, Germany
| | - Stefano Mancuso
- LINV – DiSPAA, Department of Agri-Food and Environmental Science, University of FlorenceSesto Fiorentino, Italy
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17
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Kozyrovska NO. Crosstalk between endophytes and a plant host within information-processing networks. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.7124/bc.00081d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- N. O. Kozyrovska
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
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18
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Yamamoto K, Momonoki YS. Tissue localization of maize acetylcholinesterase associated with heat tolerance in plants. PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2012; 7:301-5. [PMID: 22476469 PMCID: PMC3443906 DOI: 10.4161/psb.19007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Our recent study reported that maize acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the coleoptile node is enhanced through a post-translational modification response to heat stress and transgenic plants overexpressing maize AChE gene had an elevated heat tolerance, which strongly suggests that maize AChE plays a positive, important role in maize heat tolerance. Here we present (1) maize AChE activity in the mesocotyl also enhances during heat stress and (2) maize AChE mainly localizes in vascular bundles including endodermis and epidermis in coleoptile nodes and mesocotyls of maize seedlings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Yamamoto
- Institute of Biochemistry; Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel; Kiel, Germany
| | - Yoshie S. Momonoki
- Faculty of Bioindustry; Tokyo University of Agriculture; Abashiri, Japan
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19
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Yamamoto K, Sakamoto H, Momonoki YS. Maize acetylcholinesterase is a positive regulator of heat tolerance in plants. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2011; 168:1987-92. [PMID: 21757255 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2011.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2011] [Revised: 05/02/2011] [Accepted: 06/08/2011] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
We previously reported that native tropical zone plants showed high acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity during heat stress, and that AChE activity in endodermal cells of maize seedlings was increased by heat treatment. However, the physiological role of AChE in heat stressed plants is still unclear. Here we report (1) tissue-specific expression and subcellular localization of maize AChE, (2) elevation of AChE activity and possible post-translational modifications of this enzyme under heat stress, and (3) involvement of AChE in plant heat stress tolerance. Maize AChE was mainly expressed in coleoptile nodes and seeds. Maize AChE fused with green fluorescent protein (GFP) was localized in extracellular spaces of transgenic rice plants. Therefore, in maize coleoptile nodes and seeds AChE mainly functions in the cell wall matrix. After heat treatment, enhanced maize AChE activity was observed by in vitro activity measurement and by in situ cytochemical staining; transcript and protein levels, however, were not changed. Protein gel blot analysis revealed two AChE isoforms (upper and lower); the upper-form gradually disappeared after heat treatment. Thus, maize AChE activity might be enhanced through a post-translational modification response to heat stress. Finally, we found that overexpression of maize AChE in transgenic tobacco plants enhanced heat tolerance relative to that of non-transgenic plants, suggesting AChE plays a positive role in maize heat tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Yamamoto
- Faculty of Bioindustry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 196 Yasaka, Abashiri, Hokkaido 099-2493, Japan.
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20
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Baluska F, Mancuso S. Deep evolutionary origins of neurobiology: Turning the essence of 'neural' upside-down. Commun Integr Biol 2011; 2:60-5. [PMID: 19513267 DOI: 10.4161/cib.2.1.7620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2008] [Accepted: 12/15/2008] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
It is generally assumed, both in common-sense argumentations and scientific concepts, that brains and neurons represent late evolutionary achievements which are present only in more advanced animals. Here we overview recently published data clearly revealing that our understanding of bacteria, unicellular eukaryotic organisms, plants, brains and neurons, rooted in the Aristotelian philosophy is flawed. Neural aspects of biological systems are obvious already in bacteria and unicellular biological units such as sexual gametes and diverse unicellular eukaryotic organisms. Altogether, processes and activities thought to represent evolutionary 'recent' specializations of the nervous system emerge rather to represent ancient and fundamental cell survival processes.
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Volkov AG, Foster JC, Markin VS. Signal transduction in Mimosa pudica: biologically closed electrical circuits. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2010; 33:816-827. [PMID: 20040063 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3040.2009.02108.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Biologically closed electrical circuits operate over large distances in biological tissues. The activation of such circuits can lead to various physiological and biophysical responses. Here, we analyse the biologically closed electrical circuits of the sensitive plant Mimosa pudica Linn. using electrostimulation of a petiole or pulvinus by the charged capacitor method, and evaluate the equivalent electrical scheme of electrical signal transduction inside the plant. The discharge of a 100 microF capacitor in the pulvinus resulted in the downward fall of the petiole in a few seconds, if the capacitor was charged beforehand by a 1.5 V power supply. Upon disconnection of the capacitor from Ag/AgCl electrodes, the petiole slowly relaxed to the initial position. The electrical properties of the M. pudica were investigated, and an equivalent electrical circuit was proposed that explains the experimental data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander G Volkov
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Oakwood University, Huntsville, AL 35896, USA.
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Baluska F, Mancuso S, Volkmann D, Barlow PW. The 'root-brain' hypothesis of Charles and Francis Darwin: Revival after more than 125 years. PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2009; 4:1121-7. [PMID: 20514226 PMCID: PMC2819436 DOI: 10.4161/psb.4.12.10574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2009] [Accepted: 11/10/2009] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
This year celebrates the 200(th) aniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin, best known for his theory of evolution summarized in On the Origin of Species. Less well known is that, in the second half of his life, Darwin's major scientific focus turned towards plants. He wrote several books on plants, the next-to-last of which, The Power of Movement of Plants, published together with his son Francis, opened plants to a new view. Here we amplify the final sentence of this book in which the Darwins proposed that: "It is hardly an exaggeration to say that the tip of the radicle thus endowed [with sensitivity] and having the power of directing the movements of the adjoining parts, acts like the brain of one of the lower animals; the brain being seated within the anterior end of the body, receiving impressions from the sense-organs, and directing the several movements." This sentence conveys two important messages: first, that the root apex may be considered to be a 'brain-like' organ endowed with a sensitivity which controls its navigation through soil; second, that the root apex represents the anterior end of the plant body. In this article, we discuss both these statements.
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Alvarez-Buylla ER, Azpeitia E, Barrio R, Benítez M, Padilla-Longoria P. From ABC genes to regulatory networks, epigenetic landscapes and flower morphogenesis: making biological sense of theoretical approaches. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2009; 21:108-17. [PMID: 19922810 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2009.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2009] [Revised: 11/07/2009] [Accepted: 11/09/2009] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The ABC model postulates that expression combinations of three classes of genes (A, B and C) specify the four floral organs at early stages of flower development. This classic model provides a solid framework to study flower development and has been the foundation for multiple studies in different plant species, as well as for new evolutionary hypotheses. Nevertheless, it has been shown that in spite of being necessary, these three gene classes are not sufficient for flower organ specification. Rather, flower organ specification depends on complex interactions of several genes, and probably other non-genetic factors. Being useful to study systems of complex interactions, mathematical and computational models have enlightened the origin of the A, B and C stereotyped and robust expression patterns and the process of early flower morphogenesis. Here, we present a brief introduction to basic modeling concepts and techniques and review the results that these models have rendered for the particular case of the Arabidopsis thaliana flower organ specification. One of the main results is the uncovering of a robust functional module that is sufficient to recover the gene configurations characterizing flower organ primordia. Another key result is that the temporal sequence with which such gene configurations are attained may be recovered only by modeling the aforementioned functional module as a noisy or stochastic system. Finally, modeling approaches enable testable predictions regarding the role of non-genetic factors (noise, mechano-elastic forces, etc.) in development. These predictions, along with some perspectives for future work, are also reviewed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena R Alvarez-Buylla
- Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cd. Universitaria, México, D.F. 04510, Mexico.
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Baluška F, Mancuso S. Plant neurobiology: From stimulus perception to adaptive behavior of plants, via integrated chemical and electrical signaling. PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2009; 4:475-6. [PMID: 19816121 PMCID: PMC2688289 DOI: 10.4161/psb.4.6.8870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2009] [Accepted: 04/29/2009] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- František Baluška
- University of Bonn, Institute of Cell and Molecular Botany; Bonn, Germany
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Volkov AG, Carrell H, Markin VS. Molecular electronics of the Dionaea muscipula trap. PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2009; 4:353-4. [PMID: 19794862 PMCID: PMC2664506 DOI: 10.4161/psb.4.4.8219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2009] [Accepted: 02/18/2009] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
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Electrical memory in Venus flytrap. Bioelectrochemistry 2009; 75:142-7. [PMID: 19356999 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2009.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2008] [Revised: 03/05/2009] [Accepted: 03/08/2009] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Electrical signaling, memory and rapid closure of the carnivorous plant Dionaea muscipula Ellis (Venus flytrap) have been attracting the attention of researchers since the XIX century. The electrical stimulus between a midrib and a lobe closes the Venus flytrap upper leaf in 0.3 s without mechanical stimulation of trigger hairs. Here we developed a new method for direct measurements of the exact electrical charge utilized by the D. muscipula Ellis to facilitate the trap closing and investigated electrical short memory in the Venus flytrap. As soon as the 8 microC charge for a small trap or a 9 microC charge for a large trap is transmitted between a lobe and midrib from the external capacitor, the trap starts to close at room temperature. At temperatures 28-36 degrees C a smaller electrical charge of 4.1 microC is required to close the trap of the D. muscipula. The cumulative character of electrical stimuli points to the existence of short-term electrical memory in the Venus flytrap. We also found sensory memory in the Venus flytrap. When one sustained mechanical stimulus was applied to only one trigger hair, the trap closed in a few seconds.
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