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Wan Q, Du S, Chen Y, Li F, Salah R, Njenga MN, Li J, Wang S. Ecological Niche Differentiation and Response to Climate Change of the African Endemic Family Myrothamnaceae. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1544. [PMID: 38891352 PMCID: PMC11174921 DOI: 10.3390/plants13111544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Studying the ecological niches of species and their responses to climate change can provide better conservation strategies for these species. Myrothamnaceae is endemic to Africa, comprising only two species that belong to Myrothamnus (M. flabellifolius and M. moschatus). These closely related species exhibit allopatric distributions, positioning them as ideal materials for studying the species ecological adaptation. This study explores the ecological niche differentiation between M. flabellifolius and M. moschatus and their response capabilities to future climate change. The results indicate that M. flabellifolius and M. moschatus have undergone niche differentiation. The main drivers of niche differences are the minimum temperature of the coldest month (Bio6) for M. flabellifolius, precipitation of the driest month (Bio14), and precipitation of the coldest quarter (Bio19) for M. moschatus. M. flabellifolius demonstrated a stronger adaptation to environments characterized by lower precipitation, relatively lower temperatures, and greater annual temperature variations compared to M. moschatus. Under future climate scenarios (SSP5-8.5, 2081-2100 years), the results show that approximately 85% of the total suitable habitat for M. flabellifolius will be lost, with an 85% reduction in high-suitability areas and almost complete loss of the original mid-low suitability areas. Concurrently, about 29% of the total suitable habitat for M. moschatus will be lost, with a 34% reduction in high suitability areas and roughly 60% of the original mid-low suitability areas becoming unsuitable. This suggests that M. flabellifolius will face greater threats under future climate change. This study contributes novel insight into niche differentiation in Myrothamnaceae and provides useful information for the conservation of this distinctive African lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qisong Wan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biologic Resources Protection and Utilization, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi 445000, China; (Q.W.); (Y.C.)
| | - Shenglan Du
- Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China; (S.D.); (F.L.); (R.S.); (M.N.N.)
- Center of Conservation Biology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- School of Ecology and Environment, Tibet University, Lhasa 850000, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biologic Resources Protection and Utilization, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi 445000, China; (Q.W.); (Y.C.)
| | - Feng Li
- Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China; (S.D.); (F.L.); (R.S.); (M.N.N.)
- Center of Conservation Biology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Radwa Salah
- Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China; (S.D.); (F.L.); (R.S.); (M.N.N.)
- Center of Conservation Biology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Maxwell Njoroge Njenga
- Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China; (S.D.); (F.L.); (R.S.); (M.N.N.)
- Center of Conservation Biology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jitao Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biologic Resources Protection and Utilization, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi 445000, China; (Q.W.); (Y.C.)
| | - Shengwei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China; (S.D.); (F.L.); (R.S.); (M.N.N.)
- Center of Conservation Biology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
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2
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Jupa R, Rosell JA, Pittermann J. Bark structure is coordinated with xylem hydraulic properties in branches of five Cupressaceae species. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2024; 47:1439-1451. [PMID: 38234202 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The properties of bark and xylem contribute to tree growth and survival under drought and other types of stress conditions. However, little is known about the functional coordination of the xylem and bark despite the influence of selection on both structures in response to drought. To this end, we examined relationships between proportions of bark components (i.e. thicknesses of tissues outside the vascular cambium) and xylem transport properties in juvenile branches of five Cupressaceae species, focusing on transport efficiency and safety from hydraulic failure via drought-induced embolism. Both xylem efficiency and safety were correlated with multiple bark traits, suggesting that xylem transport and bark properties are coordinated. Specifically, xylem transport efficiency was greater in species with thicker secondary phloem, greater phloem-to-xylem thickness ratio and phloem-to-xylem cell number ratio. In contrast, species with thicker bark, living cortex and dead bark tissues were more resistant to embolism. Thicker phellem layers were associated with lower embolism resistance. Results of this study point to an important connection between xylem transport efficiency and phloem characteristics, which are shaped by the activity of vascular cambium. The link between bark and embolism resistance affirms the importance of both tissues to drought tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radek Jupa
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Julieta A Rosell
- Laboratorio Nacional de Ciencias de la Sostenibilidad, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Jarmila Pittermann
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
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3
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Michalak KM, Wojciechowska N, Marzec-Schmidt K, Bagniewska-Zadworna A. Conserved autophagy and diverse cell wall composition: unifying features of vascular tissues in evolutionarily distinct plants. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2024; 133:559-572. [PMID: 38324309 PMCID: PMC11037490 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcae015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The formation of multifunctional vascular tissues represents a significant advancement in plant evolution. Differentiation of conductive cells is specific, involving two main pathways, namely protoplast clearance and cell wall modification. In xylogenesis, autophagy is a crucial process for complete protoplast elimination in tracheary elements, whose cell wall also undergoes strong changes. Knowledge pertaining to living sieve elements, which lose most of their protoplast during phloemogenesis, remains limited. We hypothesized that autophagy plays a crucial role, not only in complete cytoplasmic clearance in xylem but also in partial degradation in phloem. Cell wall elaborations of mature sieve elements are not so extensive. These analyses performed on evolutionarily diverse model species potentially make it possible to understand phloemogenesis to an equal extent to xylogenesis. METHODS We investigated the distribution of ATG8 protein, which is an autophagy marker, and cell wall components in the roots of ferns, gymnosperms and angiosperms (monocots, dicot herbaceous plants and trees). Furthermore, we conducted a bioinformatic analysis of complete data on ATG8 isoforms for Ceratopteris richardii. KEY RESULTS The presence of ATG8 protein was confirmed in both tracheary elements and sieve elements; however, the composition of cell wall components varied considerably among vascular tissues in the selected plants. Arabinogalactan proteins and β-1,4-galactan were detected in the roots of all studied species, suggesting their potential importance in phloem formation or function. In contrast, no evolutionary pattern was observed for xyloglucan, arabinan or homogalacturonan. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that the involvement of autophagy in plants is universal during the development of tracheary elements that are dead at maturity and sieve elements that remain alive. Given the conserved nature of autophagy and its function in protoplast degradation for uninterrupted flow, autophagy might have played a vital role in the development of increasingly complex biological organizations, including the formation of vascular tissues. However, different cell wall compositions of xylem and phloem in different species might indicate diverse functionality and potential for substance transport, which is crucial in plant evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kornel M Michalak
- Department of General Botany, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Natalia Wojciechowska
- Department of General Botany, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | | | - Agnieszka Bagniewska-Zadworna
- Department of General Botany, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
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4
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McElwain JC, Matthaeus WJ, Barbosa C, Chondrogiannis C, O' Dea K, Jackson B, Knetge AB, Kwasniewska K, Nair R, White JD, Wilson JP, Montañez IP, Buckley YM, Belcher CM, Nogué S. Functional traits of fossil plants. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 242:392-423. [PMID: 38409806 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
A minuscule fraction of the Earth's paleobiological diversity is preserved in the geological record as fossils. What plant remnants have withstood taphonomic filtering, fragmentation, and alteration in their journey to become part of the fossil record provide unique information on how plants functioned in paleo-ecosystems through their traits. Plant traits are measurable morphological, anatomical, physiological, biochemical, or phenological characteristics that potentially affect their environment and fitness. Here, we review the rich literature of paleobotany, through the lens of contemporary trait-based ecology, to evaluate which well-established extant plant traits hold the greatest promise for application to fossils. In particular, we focus on fossil plant functional traits, those measurable properties of leaf, stem, reproductive, or whole plant fossils that offer insights into the functioning of the plant when alive. The limitations of a trait-based approach in paleobotany are considerable. However, in our critical assessment of over 30 extant traits we present an initial, semi-quantitative ranking of 26 paleo-functional traits based on taphonomic and methodological criteria on the potential of those traits to impact Earth system processes, and for that impact to be quantifiable. We demonstrate how valuable inferences on paleo-ecosystem processes (pollination biology, herbivory), past nutrient cycles, paleobiogeography, paleo-demography (life history), and Earth system history can be derived through the application of paleo-functional traits to fossil plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C McElwain
- School of Natural Sciences, Botany, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, D02 PN40, Ireland
| | - William J Matthaeus
- School of Natural Sciences, Botany, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, D02 PN40, Ireland
| | - Catarina Barbosa
- School of Natural Sciences, Botany, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, D02 PN40, Ireland
| | | | - Katie O' Dea
- School of Natural Sciences, Botany, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, D02 PN40, Ireland
| | - Bea Jackson
- School of Natural Sciences, Botany, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, D02 PN40, Ireland
| | - Antonietta B Knetge
- School of Natural Sciences, Botany, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, D02 PN40, Ireland
| | - Kamila Kwasniewska
- School of Natural Sciences, Botany, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, D02 PN40, Ireland
| | - Richard Nair
- School of Natural Sciences, Botany, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, D02 PN40, Ireland
| | - Joseph D White
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, 76798-7388, TX, USA
| | - Jonathan P Wilson
- Department of Environmental Studies, Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania, 19041, PA, USA
| | - Isabel P Montañez
- UC Davis Institute of the Environment, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Yvonne M Buckley
- School of Natural Sciences, Zoology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, D02 PN40, Ireland
| | | | - Sandra Nogué
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), 08193, Catalonia, Spain
- CREAF, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), 08193, Catalonia, Spain
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5
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Kim D, Guadagno CR, Ewers BE, Mackay DS. Combining PSII photochemistry and hydraulics improves predictions of photosynthesis and water use from mild to lethal drought. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2024; 47:1255-1268. [PMID: 38178610 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Rising temperatures and increases in drought negatively impact the efficiency and sustainability of both agricultural and forest ecosystems. Although hydraulic limitations on photosynthesis have been extensively studied, a solid understanding of the links between whole plant hydraulics and photosynthetic processes at the cellular level under changing environmental conditions is still missing, hampering our predictive power for plant mortality. Here, we examined plant hydraulic traits and CO2 assimilation rate under progressive water limitation by implementing Photosystem II (PSII) dynamics with a whole plant process model (TREES). The photosynthetic responses to plant water status were parameterized based on measurements of chlorophyll a fluorescence, gas exchange and water potential for Brassica rapa (R500) grown in a greenhouse under fully watered to lethal drought conditions. The updated model significantly improved predictions of photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and leaf water potential. TREES with PSII knowledge predicted a larger hydraulic safety margin and a decrease in percent loss of conductivity. TREES predicted a slower decrease in leaf water potential, which agreed with measurements. Our results highlight the pressing need for incorporating PSII drought photochemistry into current process models to capture cross-scale plant water dynamics from cell to whole plant level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dohyoung Kim
- Department of Geography, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | | | - Brent E Ewers
- Department of Botany, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA
| | - D Scott Mackay
- Department of Geography, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
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6
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Falquetto-Gomes P, Silva WJ, Siqueira JA, Araújo WL, Nunes-Nesi A. From epidermal cells to functional pores: Understanding stomatal development. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 292:154163. [PMID: 38118303 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2023.154163] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Stomata, small hydromechanical valves in the leaf epidermis, are fundamental in regulating gas exchange and water loss between plants and the environment. Stomatal development involves a series of coordinated events ranging from the initial cell division that determines the meristemoid mother cells to forming specialized structures such as guard cells. These events are orchestrated by the transcription factors SPEECHLESS, FAMA, and MUTE through signaling networks. The role of plant hormones (e.g., abscisic acid, jasmonic acid, and brassinosteroids) in regulating stomatal development has been elucidated through these signaling cascades. In addition, environmental factors, such as light availability and CO2 concentration, also regulate the density and distribution of stomata in leaves, ultimately affecting overall water use efficiency. In this review, we highlight the mechanisms underlying stomatal development, connecting key signaling processes that activate or inhibit cell differentiation responsible for forming guard cells in the leaf epidermis. The factors responsible for integrating transcription factors, hormonal responses, and the influence of climatic factors on the signaling network that leads to stomatal development in plants are further discussed. Understanding the intricate connections between these factors, including the metabolic regulation of plant development, may enable us to maximize plant productivity under specific environmental conditions in changing climate scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Falquetto-Gomes
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Plant Physiology Under Stress Conditions, Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Welson Júnior Silva
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Plant Physiology Under Stress Conditions, Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - João Antonio Siqueira
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Plant Physiology Under Stress Conditions, Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Wagner L Araújo
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Plant Physiology Under Stress Conditions, Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Adriano Nunes-Nesi
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Plant Physiology Under Stress Conditions, Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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7
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Zhang S, Wang B, Li Q, Hui W, Yang L, Wang Z, Zhang W, Yue F, Liu N, Li H, Lu F, Zhang K, Zeng Q, Wu AM. CRISPR/Cas9 mutated p-coumaroyl shikimate 3'-hydroxylase 3 gene in Populus tomentosa reveals lignin functioning on supporting tree upright. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:126762. [PMID: 37683750 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
The lignin plays one of the most important roles in plant secondary metabolism. However, it is still unclear how lignin can contribute to the impressive height of wood growth. In this study, C3'H, a rate-limiting enzyme of the lignin pathway, was used as the target gene. C3'H3 was knocked out by CRISPR/Cas9 in Populus tomentosa. Compared with wild-type popular trees, c3'h3 mutants exhibited dwarf phenotypes, collapsed xylem vessels, weakened phloem thickening, decreased hydraulic conductivity and photosynthetic efficiency, and reduced auxin content, except for reduced total lignin content and significantly increased H-subunit lignin. In the c3'h3 mutant, the flavonoid biosynthesis genes CHS, CHI, F3H, DFR, ANR, and LAR were upregulated, and flavonoid metabolite accumulations were detected, indicating that decreasing the lignin biosynthesis pathway enhanced flavonoid metabolic flux. Furthermore, flavonoid metabolites, such as naringenin and hesperetin, were largely increased, while higher hesperetin content suppressed plant cell division. Thus, studying the c3'h3 mutant allows us to deduce that lignin deficiency suppresses tree growth and leads to the dwarf phenotype due to collapsed xylem and thickened phloem, limiting material exchanges and transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sufang Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architectures, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Bo Wang
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Qian Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architectures, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Wenkai Hui
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architectures, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Linjie Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Engineering, School of Light Industry and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Zhihua Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architectures, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Wenjuan Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architectures, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Fengxia Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Engineering, School of Light Industry and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Nian Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architectures, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Huiling Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architectures, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Fachuang Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Engineering, School of Light Industry and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China; Department of Biochemistry and Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, The Wisconsin Energy Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Kewei Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321004, China
| | - Qingyin Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China.
| | - Ai-Min Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architectures, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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8
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Carmesin CF, Port F, Böhringer S, Gottschalk KE, Rasche V, Jansen S. Ageing-induced shrinkage of intervessel pit membranes in xylem of Clematis vitalba modifies its mechanical properties as revealed by atomic force microscopy. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1002711. [PMID: 36755701 PMCID: PMC9899931 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1002711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Bordered pit membranes of angiosperm xylem are anisotropic, mesoporous media between neighbouring conduits, with a key role in long distance water transport. Yet, their mechanical properties are poorly understood. Here, we aim to quantify the stiffness of intervessel pit membranes over various growing seasons. By applying an AFM-based indentation technique "Quantitative Imaging" we measured the effective elastic modulus (E effective) of intervessel pit membranes of Clematis vitalba in dependence of size, age, and hydration state. The indentation-deformation behaviour was analysed with a non-linear membrane model, and paired with magnetic resonance imaging to visualise sap-filled and embolised vessels, while geometrical data of bordered pits were obtained using electron microscopy. E effective was transformed to the geometrically independent apparent elastic modulus E apparent and to aspiration pressure P b. The material stiffness (E apparent) of fresh pit membranes was with 57 MPa considerably lower than previously suggested. The estimated pressure for pit membrane aspiration was 2.20+28 MPa. Pit membranes from older growth rings were shrunken, had a higher material stiffness and a lower aspiration pressure than current year ones, suggesting an irreversible, mechanical ageing process. This study provides an experimental-stiffness analysis of hydrated intervessel pit membranes in their native state. The estimated aspiration pressure suggests that membranes are not deflected under normal field conditions. Although absolute values should be interpreted carefully, our data suggest that pit membrane shrinkage implies increasing material stiffness, and highlight the dynamic changes of pit membrane mechanics and their complex, functional behaviour for fluid transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cora F Carmesin
- Institute of Systematic Botany and Ecology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, Ulm, Germany
| | - Fabian Port
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Ulm University, Albert Einstein Allee 45, Ulm, Germany
| | - Samuel Böhringer
- Institut für Quantenphysik and Center for Integrated Quantum Science and Technology, Universität Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Volker Rasche
- Core Facility Small Animal Imaging, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Ulm University, Albert Einstein Allee 45, Ulm, Germany
| | - Steven Jansen
- Institute of Systematic Botany and Ecology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, Ulm, Germany
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9
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Lübbe T, Lamarque LJ, Delzon S, Torres Ruiz JM, Burlett R, Leuschner C, Schuldt B. High variation in hydraulic efficiency but not xylem safety between roots and branches in four temperate broad‐leaved tree species. Funct Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Torben Lübbe
- Plant Ecology Albrecht von Haller Institute for Plant Sciences University of Goettingen Goettingen Germany
| | - Laurent J. Lamarque
- Département des Sciences de l'environnement Université du Québec à Trois‐Rivières Trois‐Rivières QC Canada
- University of Bordeaux INRAE BIOGECO Pessac France
| | | | | | | | - Christoph Leuschner
- Plant Ecology Albrecht von Haller Institute for Plant Sciences University of Goettingen Goettingen Germany
| | - Bernhard Schuldt
- Plant Ecology Albrecht von Haller Institute for Plant Sciences University of Goettingen Goettingen Germany
- Julius‐von‐Sachs‐Institute of Biological Sciences, Ecophysiology and Vegetation Ecology University of Würzburg Würzburg Germany
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10
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Wu M, Chen F, Wu P, Yang Z, Zhang S, Xiao L, Deng Z, Zhang C, Chen Y, Cai L. Bioinspired Redwood-Like Scaffolds Coordinated by In Situ-Generated Silica-Containing Hybrid Nanocoatings Promote Angiogenesis and Osteogenesis both In Vitro and In Vivo. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2101591. [PMID: 34569182 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Inspired by natural redwood and bone, a biomimetic strategy is presented to develop a highly bioactive redwood-like nanocomposite via radial freeze casting of biocompatible hydrogels followed by the in situ coprecipitation of a Si-containing CaP hybrid nanocoating (SCPN). The engineered material displays radially aligned macrochannels and a porous network structure similar to those of natural redwood. In addition to acting as a mechanical reinforcement, introducing SCPNs into the weak redwood-like scaffold yields not only a nanoroughened surface topography, a low swelling ratio, retarded enzymatic degradation, and enhanced protein absorption abilities but also the sustained sequential release of Si and Ca ions, thereby providing essential biophysical and biochemical cues for effective bone regeneration. Benefiting from the redwood-like structures and bioactive SCPNs, the biomimetic materials create a favorable microenvironment for promoting the initial adhesion, spreading, proliferation, and migration of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Furthermore, the in vitro and in vivo data showed that the biocompatible redwood-like scaffold with precipitated SCPN can synergistically promote osteogenesis and angiogenesis in their aligned direction. Collectively, this work presents a novel bioinspired redwood-like material with multifunctional properties that provides new insight into bone defect repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhao Wu
- Department of Spine Surgery and Musculoskeletal Tumor Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University 168 Donghu Street, Wuchang District Wuhan Hubei 430071 P. R. China
| | - Feixiang Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immune Related Diseases School of Basic Medical Sciences Wuhan University Wuhan 430071 China
| | - Ping Wu
- College of Life Science and Technology Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430074 China
| | - Zhiqiang Yang
- Department of Spine Surgery and Musculoskeletal Tumor Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University 168 Donghu Street, Wuchang District Wuhan Hubei 430071 P. R. China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Department of Spine Surgery and Musculoskeletal Tumor Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University 168 Donghu Street, Wuchang District Wuhan Hubei 430071 P. R. China
| | - Lingfei Xiao
- Department of Spine Surgery and Musculoskeletal Tumor Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University 168 Donghu Street, Wuchang District Wuhan Hubei 430071 P. R. China
| | - Zhouming Deng
- Department of Spine Surgery and Musculoskeletal Tumor Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University 168 Donghu Street, Wuchang District Wuhan Hubei 430071 P. R. China
| | - Chong Zhang
- Department of Spine Surgery and Musculoskeletal Tumor Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University 168 Donghu Street, Wuchang District Wuhan Hubei 430071 P. R. China
| | - Yun Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immune Related Diseases School of Basic Medical Sciences Wuhan University Wuhan 430071 China
| | - Lin Cai
- Department of Spine Surgery and Musculoskeletal Tumor Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University 168 Donghu Street, Wuchang District Wuhan Hubei 430071 P. R. China
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11
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Lei C, Xie Z, Wu K, Fu Q. Controlled Vertically Aligned Structures in Polymer Composites: Natural Inspiration, Structural Processing, and Functional Application. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2103495. [PMID: 34590751 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202103495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Vertically aligned structures, which are a series of characteristic conformations with thickness-direction alignment, interconnection, or assembly of filler in polymeric composite materials that can provide remarkable structural performance and advanced anisotropic functions, have attracted considerable attention in recent years. The past two decades have witnessed extensive development with regard to universal fabrication methods, subtle control of morphological features, improvement of functional properties, and superior applications of vertically aligned structures in various fields. However, a systematic review remains to be attempted. The various configurations of vertical structures inspired from biological samples in nature, such as vertically aligned structures with honeycomb, reed, annual ring, radial, and lamellar configurations are summarized here. Additionally, relevant processing methods, which include the transformation of oriented direction, external-field inducement, template method, and 3D printing method, are discussed in detail. The diverse applications in mechanical, thermal, electric, dielectric, electromagnetic, water treatment, and energy fields are also highlighted by providing representative examples. Finally, future opportunities and prospects are listed to identify current issues and potential research directions. It is expected that perspectives on the vertically aligned structures presented here will contribute to the research on advanced multifunctional composites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuxin Lei
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Zilong Xie
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Kai Wu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Qiang Fu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
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12
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Zhang Y, Lei C, Wu K, Fu Q. Fully Organic Bulk Polymer with Metallic Thermal Conductivity and Tunable Thermal Pathways. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2004821. [PMID: 34029006 PMCID: PMC8292902 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202004821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Electrically insulating polymers are indispensable for electronic and energy applications, but their poor thermal conduction has increasingly become a bottleneck for high-performance devices. Highly drawn low-dimensional polymeric fibers and thin films can exhibit metallic conductivity. Extending this to bulk materials required by real world applications is prohibitive due to the additional interfacial thermal conduction barriers. It is demonstrated that highly aligned ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene microfibers can be incorporated into a silicone matrix to yield a fully organic bulk polymer composite with a continuous vertical phonon pathway. This leads to a perpendicular thermal conductivity of 38.27 W m-1 K-1 , at par with metals and two orders of magnitude higher than other bulk organic polymers. Taking further advantage of the mechanical flexibility of the microfibers, the processing method offers the freedom to tailor heat transfer pathways in a macroscopic 3D space. The material/process opens up opportunities for efficient thermal management in high-performance devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongzheng Zhang
- College of Polymer Science and EngineeringState Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials EngineeringSichuan UniversityChengdu610065P. R. China
- Key Laboratory for Soft Chemistry and Functional Materials of Ministry of EducationDepartment of Polymer Science and EngineeringSchool of Chemical EngineeringNanjing University of Science and TechnologyNanjing210094P. R. China
| | - Chuxin Lei
- College of Polymer Science and EngineeringState Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials EngineeringSichuan UniversityChengdu610065P. R. China
| | - Kai Wu
- College of Polymer Science and EngineeringState Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials EngineeringSichuan UniversityChengdu610065P. R. China
- Key Laboratory for Soft Chemistry and Functional Materials of Ministry of EducationDepartment of Polymer Science and EngineeringSchool of Chemical EngineeringNanjing University of Science and TechnologyNanjing210094P. R. China
| | - Qiang Fu
- College of Polymer Science and EngineeringState Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials EngineeringSichuan UniversityChengdu610065P. R. China
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13
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Słupianek A, Dolzblasz A, Sokołowska K. Xylem Parenchyma-Role and Relevance in Wood Functioning in Trees. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:1247. [PMID: 34205276 PMCID: PMC8235782 DOI: 10.3390/plants10061247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Woody plants are characterised by a highly complex vascular system, wherein the secondary xylem (wood) is responsible for the axial transport of water and various substances. Previous studies have focused on the dead conductive elements in this heterogeneous tissue. However, the living xylem parenchyma cells, which constitute a significant functional fraction of the wood tissue, have been strongly neglected in studies on tree biology. Although there has recently been increased research interest in xylem parenchyma cells, the mechanisms that operate in these cells are poorly understood. Therefore, the present review focuses on selected roles of xylem parenchyma and its relevance in wood functioning. In addition, to elucidate the importance of xylem parenchyma, we have compiled evidence supporting the hypothesis on the significance of parenchyma cells in tree functioning and identified the key unaddressed questions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Słupianek
- Department of Plant Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Kanonia 6/8, 50-328 Wrocław, Poland; (A.D.); (K.S.)
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14
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Gong L, Liu XD, Zeng YY, Tian XQ, Li YL, Turner NC, Fang XW. Stomatal morphology and physiology explain varied sensitivity to abscisic acid across vascular plant lineages. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 186:782-797. [PMID: 33620497 PMCID: PMC8154066 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiab090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Abscisic acid (ABA) can induce rapid stomatal closure in seed plants, but the action of this hormone on the stomata of fern and lycophyte species remains equivocal. Here, ABA-induced stomatal closure, signaling components, guard cell K+ and Ca2+ fluxes, vacuolar and actin cytoskeleton dynamics, and the permeability coefficient of guard cell protoplasts (Pf) were analyzed in species spanning the diversity of vascular land plants including 11 seed plants, 6 ferns, and 1 lycophyte. We found that all 11 seed plants exhibited ABA-induced stomatal closure, but the fern and lycophyte species did not. ABA-induced hydrogen peroxide elevation was observed in all species, but the signaling pathway downstream of nitric oxide production, including ion channel activation, was only observed in seed plants. In the angiosperm faba bean (Vicia faba), ABA application caused large vacuolar compartments to disaggregate, actin filaments to disintegrate into short fragments and Pf to increase. None of these changes was observed in the guard cells of the fern Matteuccia struthiopteris and lycophyte Selaginella moellendorffii treated with ABA, but a hypertonic osmotic solution did induce stomatal closure in fern and the lycophyte. Our results suggest that there is a major difference in the regulation of stomata between the fern and lycophyte plants and the seed plants. Importantly, these findings have uncovered the physiological and biophysical mechanisms that may have been responsible for the evolution of a stomatal response to ABA in the earliest seed plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Xu-Dong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Xue-Qian Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yan-Lu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Neil C Turner
- The UWA Institute of Agriculture and UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, M082, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Xiang-Wen Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Author for communication: (X.W.F.)
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15
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Smertenko A, Clare SJ, Effertz K, Parish A, Ross A, Schmidt S. A guide to plant TPX2-like and WAVE-DAMPENED2-like proteins. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2021; 72:1034-1045. [PMID: 33130902 PMCID: PMC8502432 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/eraa513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
TPX2 proteins were first identified in vertebrates as a key mitotic spindle assembly factor. Subsequent studies demonstrated that TPX2 is an intricate protein, with functionally and structurally distinct domains and motifs including Aurora kinase-binding, importin-binding, central microtubule-binding, and C-terminal TPX2 conserved domain, among others. The first plant TPX2-like protein, WAVE-DAMPENED2, was identified in Arabidopsis as a dominant mutation responsible for reducing the waviness of roots grown on slanted agar plates. Each plant genome encodes at least one 'canonical' protein with all TPX2 domains and a family of proteins (20 in Arabidopsis) that diversified to contain only some of the domains. Although all plant TPX2-family proteins to date bind microtubules, they function in distinct processes such as cell division, regulation of hypocotyl cell elongation by hormones and light signals, vascular development, or abiotic stress tolerance. Consequently, their expression patterns, regulation, and functions have diverged considerably. Here we summarize the current body of knowledge surrounding plant TPX2-family proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Smertenko
- Plant Molecular Sciences Graduate Program, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Shaun J Clare
- Plant Molecular Sciences Graduate Program, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Karl Effertz
- Plant Molecular Sciences Graduate Program, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Alyssa Parish
- Plant Molecular Sciences Graduate Program, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Austin Ross
- Plant Molecular Sciences Graduate Program, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Sharol Schmidt
- Plant Molecular Sciences Graduate Program, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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16
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Aritsara ANA, Razakandraibe VM, Ramananantoandro T, Gleason SM, Cao KF. Increasing axial parenchyma fraction in the Malagasy Magnoliids facilitated the co-optimisation of hydraulic efficiency and safety. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 229:1467-1480. [PMID: 32981106 DOI: 10.1111/nph.16969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The evolution of angiosperms was accompanied by the segregation and specialisation of their xylem tissues. This study aimed to determine whether the fraction and arrangement of parenchyma tissue influence the hydraulic efficiency-safety trade-off in the basal angiosperms. We examined xylem anatomical structure and hydraulic functioning of 28 woody species of Magnoliids in a tropical rainforest of Madagascar and reported, for the first time, quantitative measurements that support the relationship between vessel-to-xylem parenchyma connectivity and the hydraulic efficiency-safety trade-off. We also introduced a new measurement - the distance of species from the trade-off limit - to quantify the co-optimisation of hydraulic efficiency and safety. Although the basal angiosperms in this study had low hydraulic conductivity and safety, species with higher axial parenchyma fraction (APf) had significantly higher hydraulic conductivity. Hydraulic efficiency-safety optimisation was accompanied by higher APf and vessel-to-axial parenchyma connectivity. Conversely, species exhibiting high ray parenchyma fraction and high vessel-to-ray connectivity had lower Ks and were further away from the hydraulic trade-off limit line. Our results provide evidence that axial parenchyma fraction and paratracheal arrangement are associated with both enhanced hydraulic efficiency and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Ny Aina Aritsara
- Plant Ecophysiology and Evolution Group, State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Sciences du Bois, Département Foresterie et Environnement, Ecole Supérieure des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d'Antananarivo, BP 175, Antananarivo, 101, Madagascar
| | - Vonjisoa M Razakandraibe
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Sciences du Bois, Département Foresterie et Environnement, Ecole Supérieure des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d'Antananarivo, BP 175, Antananarivo, 101, Madagascar
| | - Tahiana Ramananantoandro
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Sciences du Bois, Département Foresterie et Environnement, Ecole Supérieure des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d'Antananarivo, BP 175, Antananarivo, 101, Madagascar
| | - Sean M Gleason
- Water Management and Systems Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Fort Collins, CO, 80526, USA
| | - Kun-Fang Cao
- Plant Ecophysiology and Evolution Group, State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
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17
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Rocks JW, Liu AJ, Katifori E. Hidden Topological Structure of Flow Network Functionality. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2021; 126:028102. [PMID: 33512186 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.126.028102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The ability to reroute and control flow is vital to the function of venation networks across a wide range of organisms. By modifying individual edges in these networks, either by adjusting edge conductances or creating and destroying edges, organisms robustly control the propagation of inputs to perform specific tasks. However, a fundamental disconnect exists between the structure and function: networks with different local architectures can perform the same functions. Here, we answer the question of how changes at the level of individual edges collectively create functionality at the scale of an entire network. Using persistent homology, we analyze networks tuned to perform complex tasks. We find that the responses of such networks encode a hidden topological structure composed of sectors of nearly uniform pressure. Although these sectors are not apparent in the underlying network structure, they correlate strongly with the tuned function. The connectivity of these sectors, rather than that of individual nodes, provides a quantitative relationship between structure and function in flow networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason W Rocks
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Andrea J Liu
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Eleni Katifori
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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18
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Yao G, Nie Z, Turner NC, Li F, Gao T, Fang X, Scoffoni C. Combined high leaf hydraulic safety and efficiency provides drought tolerance in Caragana species adapted to low mean annual precipitation. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 229:230-244. [PMID: 32749703 PMCID: PMC7754512 DOI: 10.1111/nph.16845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Clarifying the coordination of leaf hydraulic traits with gas exchange across closely-related species adapted to varying rainfall can provide insights into plant habitat distribution and drought adaptation. The leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf ), stomatal conductance (gs ), net assimilation (A), vein embolism and abscisic acid (ABA) concentration during dehydration were quantified, as well as pressure-volume curve traits and vein anatomy in 10 Caragana species adapted to a range of mean annual precipitation (MAP) conditions and growing in a common garden. We found a positive correlation between Ψleaf at 50% loss of Kleaf (Kleaf P50 ) and maximum Kleaf (Kleaf-max ) across species. Species from low-MAP environments exhibited more negative Kleaf P50 and turgor loss point, and higher Kleaf-max and leaf-specific capacity at full turgor, along with higher vein density and midrib xylem per leaf area, and a higher ratio of Kleaf-max : maximum gs . Tighter stomatal control mediated by higher ABA accumulation during dehydration in these species resulted in an increase in hydraulic safety and intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi ) during drought. Our results suggest that high hydraulic safety and efficiency combined with greater stomatal sensitivity triggered by ABA production and leading to greater WUEi provides drought tolerance in Caragana species adapted to low-MAP environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang‐Qian Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro‐ecosystemsSchool of Life SciencesLanzhou UniversityLanzhou730000China
| | - Zheng‐Fei Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro‐ecosystemsSchool of Life SciencesLanzhou UniversityLanzhou730000China
| | - Neil C. Turner
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro‐ecosystemsSchool of Life SciencesLanzhou UniversityLanzhou730000China
- The UWA Institute of Agriculture and UWA School of Agriculture and EnvironmentThe University of Western AustraliaM082, 35 Stirling HighwayCrawleyWA6009Australia
| | - Feng‐Min Li
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro‐ecosystemsSchool of Life SciencesLanzhou UniversityLanzhou730000China
| | - Tian‐Peng Gao
- The Engineering Research Center of Mining Pollution Treatment and Ecological Restoration of Gansu ProvinceLanzhou City UniversityLanzhou730070China
| | - Xiang‐Wen Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro‐ecosystemsSchool of Life SciencesLanzhou UniversityLanzhou730000China
| | - Christine Scoffoni
- Department of Biological SciencesCalifornia State University Los Angeles5151 State University DriveLos AngelesCA90032USA
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19
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Liu D, Lei C, Wu K, Fu Q. A Multidirectionally Thermoconductive Phase Change Material Enables High and Durable Electricity via Real-Environment Solar-Thermal-Electric Conversion. ACS NANO 2020; 14:15738-15747. [PMID: 33166456 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c06680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A solar thermoelectric generator (STEG) that generates electricity from sunlight is expected to be a promising technology for harvesting and conversion of clean solar energy. The integration of a phase-change material (PCM) with the STEG even more enables engines to durably generate power in spite of solar radiation flux. However, its photothermal conversion and output electricity is still limited (<15 W/m2) by the PCM's deficient thermal management performance, i.e., restricted thermal conductivity and nonuniform heat-transfer behavior under concentrated sunlight radiation. In this study, a biomimetic phase-change composite, with centrosymmetric and a multidirectionally aligned boron nitride network embedded in polyethylene glycol, is tailored for the STEG via a radial ice-template assembly and infiltration strategy, which behaves in a highly and multidirectionally thermoconductive way and enables a rapid transfer of heat flux and uniform temperature distribution with respect to even a spot-like heat source. As a consequence, a powerful STEG is tactfully designed via the integration of this high-thermal-management characteristic and maximum collection of solar beams, for durable and real-environment solar-thermal-electric conversion, with its photothermal energy conversion efficiency of up to 85.1% and a high peak power density of 40.28 W/m2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingyao Liu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuxin Lei
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Wu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory for Soft Chemistry and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Fu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, People's Republic of China
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20
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Gauthey A, Peters JMR, Carins-Murphy MR, Rodriguez-Dominguez CM, Li X, Delzon S, King A, López R, Medlyn BE, Tissue DT, Brodribb TJ, Choat B. Visual and hydraulic techniques produce similar estimates of cavitation resistance in woody species. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2020; 228:884-897. [PMID: 32542732 DOI: 10.1111/nph.16746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Hydraulic failure of the plant vascular system is a principal cause of forest die-off under drought. Accurate quantification of this process is essential to our understanding of the physiological mechanisms underpinning plant mortality. Imaging techniques increasingly are applied to estimate xylem cavitation resistance. These techniques allow for in situ measurement of embolism formation in real time, although the benefits and trade-offs associated with different techniques have not been evaluated in detail. Here we compare two imaging methods, microcomputed tomography (microCT) and optical vulnerability (OV), to standard hydraulic methods for measurement of cavitation resistance in seven woody species representing a diversity of major phylogenetic and xylem anatomical groups. Across the seven species, there was strong agreement between cavitation resistance values (P50 ) estimated from visualization techniques (microCT and OV) and between visual techniques and hydraulic techniques. The results indicate that visual techniques provide accurate estimates of cavitation resistance and the degree to which xylem hydraulic function is impacted by embolism. Results are discussed in the context of trade-offs associated with each technique and possible causes of discrepancy between estimates of cavitation resistance provided by visual and hydraulic techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Gauthey
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW, 2753, Australia
| | - Jennifer M R Peters
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW, 2753, Australia
| | - Madeline R Carins-Murphy
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tas, 7001, Australia
| | - Celia M Rodriguez-Dominguez
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tas, 7001, Australia
- Irrigation and Crop Ecophysiology Group, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Sevilla (IRNAS, CSIC), Avenida Reina Mercedes, 10, Sevilla, 41012, Spain
| | - Ximeng Li
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW, 2753, Australia
| | - Sylvain Delzon
- UMR BIOGECO, INRA, Univ Bordeaux, Talence, 33450, France
| | - Andrew King
- L'Orme de Merisiers, Synchrotron SOLEIL, 91190 Saint-Aubin-BP48, Gif-sur-Yvette Cedex, France
| | - Rosana López
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW, 2753, Australia
- Departamento de Sistemas y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- PIAF, INRA, University of Clermont-Auvergne, 63100, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Belinda E Medlyn
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW, 2753, Australia
| | - David T Tissue
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW, 2753, Australia
| | - Tim J Brodribb
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tas, 7001, Australia
| | - Brendan Choat
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW, 2753, Australia
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21
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Sandlersky R, Krenke A. Solar Energy Transformation Strategies by Ecosystems of the Boreal Zone (Thermodynamic Analysis Based on Remote Sensing Data). ENTROPY (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 22:E1132. [PMID: 33286902 PMCID: PMC7597274 DOI: 10.3390/e22101132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The hypothesis of an increase in free energy (exergy) by ecosystems during evolution is tested on direct measurements. As a measuring system of thermodynamic parameters (exergy, information, entropy), a series of measurements of reflected solar radiation in bands of Landsat multispectral imagery for 20 years is used. The thermodynamic parameters are compared for different types of ecosystems depending on the influx of solar radiation, weather conditions and the composition of communities. It is shown that maximization of free energy occurs only in a succession series (time scale of several hundred years), and on a short evolutionary time scale of several thousand years, various strategies of energy use are successfully implemented at the same time: forests always maximize exergy and, accordingly, transpiration, meadows-disequilibrium and biological productivity in summer, and swamps, due to a prompt response to changes in temperature and moisture, maintaining disequilibrium and productivity throughout the year. On the basis of the obtained regularities, we conclude that on an evolutionary time scale, the thermodynamic system changes in the direction of increasing biological productivity and saving moisture, which contradicts the hypothesis of maximizing free energy in the course of evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Sandlersky
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119071, Russia
| | - Alexander Krenke
- Institute of Geography, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninskiy Prospekt, 14, Moscow 119017, Russia;
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22
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Spencer V, Nemec Venza Z, Harrison CJ. What can lycophytes teach us about plant evolution and development? Modern perspectives on an ancient lineage. Evol Dev 2020; 23:174-196. [PMID: 32906211 DOI: 10.1111/ede.12350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
All Evo-Devo studies rely on representative sampling across the tree of interest to elucidate evolutionary trajectories through time. In land plants, genetic resources are well established in model species representing lineages including bryophytes (mosses, liverworts, and hornworts), monilophytes (ferns and allies), and seed plants (gymnosperms and flowering plants), but few resources are available for lycophytes (club mosses, spike mosses, and quillworts). Living lycophytes are a sister group to the euphyllophytes (the fern and seed plant clade), and have retained several ancestral morphological traits despite divergence from a common ancestor of vascular plants around 420 million years ago. This sister relationship offers a unique opportunity to study the conservation of traits such as sporophyte branching, vasculature, and indeterminacy, as well as the convergent evolution of traits such as leaves and roots which have evolved independently in each vascular plant lineage. To elucidate the evolution of vascular development and leaf formation, molecular studies using RNA Seq, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, in situ hybridisation and phylogenetics have revealed the diversification and expression patterns of KNOX, ARP, HD-ZIP, KANADI, and WOX gene families in lycophytes. However, the molecular basis of further trait evolution is not known. Here we describe morphological traits of living lycophytes and their extinct relatives, consider the molecular underpinnings of trait evolution and discuss future research required in lycophytes to understand the key evolutionary innovations enabling the growth and development of all vascular plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Spencer
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Zoe Nemec Venza
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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23
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Smertenko T, Turner G, Fahy D, Brew-Appiah RAT, Alfaro-Aco R, de Almeida Engler J, Sanguinet KA, Smertenko A. Brachypodium distachyon MAP20 functions in metaxylem pit development and contributes to drought recovery. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2020; 227:1681-1695. [PMID: 31863702 DOI: 10.1111/nph.16383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Pits are regions in the cell walls of plant tracheary elements that lack secondary walls. Each pit consists of a space within the secondary wall called a pit chamber, and a modified primary wall called the pit membrane. The pit membrane facilitates transport of solutions between vessel cells and restricts embolisms during drought. Here we analyzed the role of an angiosperm-specific TPX2-like microtubule protein MAP20 in pit formation using Brachypodium distachyon as a model system. Live cell imaging was used to analyze the interaction of MAP20 with microtubules and the impact of MAP20 on microtubule dynamics. MAP20-specific antibody was used to study expression and localization of MAP20 in different cell types during vascular bundle development. We used an artificial microRNAs (amiRNA) knockdown approach to determine the function of MAP20. MAP20 is expressed during the late stages of vascular bundle development and localizes around forming pits and under secondary cell wall thickenings in metaxylem cells. MAP20 suppresses microtubule depolymerization; however, unlike the animal TPX2 counterpart, MAP20 does not cooperate with the γ-tubulin ring complex in microtubule nucleation. Knockdown of MAP20 causes bigger pits, thinner pit membranes, perturbed vasculature development, lower reproductive potential and higher drought susceptibility. We conclude that MAP20 may contribute to drought adaptation by modulating pit size and pit membrane thickness in metaxylem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetyana Smertenko
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Glenn Turner
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Deirdre Fahy
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Rhoda A T Brew-Appiah
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Raymundo Alfaro-Aco
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Janice de Almeida Engler
- Institut Sophia Agrobiotech, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Université Côte d'Azur, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 06903, Sophia-Antipolis, France
| | - Karen A Sanguinet
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Andrei Smertenko
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
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24
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Geiger D. Plant glucose transporter structure and function. Pflugers Arch 2020; 472:1111-1128. [PMID: 32845347 PMCID: PMC8298354 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-020-02449-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The carbohydrate D-glucose is the main source of energy in living organisms. In contrast to animals, as well as most fungi, bacteria, and archaea, plants are capable to synthesize a surplus of sugars characterizing them as autothrophic organisms. Thus, plants are de facto the source of all food on earth, either directly or indirectly via feed to livestock. Glucose is stored as polymeric glucan, in animals as glycogen and in plants as starch. Despite serving a general source for metabolic energy and energy storage, glucose is the main building block for cellulose synthesis and represents the metabolic starting point of carboxylate- and amino acid synthesis. Finally yet importantly, glucose functions as signalling molecule conveying the plant metabolic status for adjustment of growth, development, and survival. Therefore, cell-to-cell and long-distance transport of photoassimilates/sugars throughout the plant body require the fine-tuned activity of sugar transporters facilitating the transport across membranes. The functional plant counterparts of the animal sodium/glucose transporters (SGLTs) are represented by the proton-coupled sugar transport proteins (STPs) of the plant monosaccharide transporter(-like) family (MST). In the framework of this special issue on “Glucose Transporters in Health and Disease,” this review gives an overview of the function and structure of plant STPs in comparison to the respective knowledge obtained with the animal Na+-coupled glucose transporters (SGLTs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dietmar Geiger
- Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Julius-von-Sachs-Institute, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, 97082, Wuerzburg, Germany.
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25
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Wilson JP, White JD, Montañez IP, DiMichele WA, McElwain JC, Poulsen CJ, Hren MT. Carboniferous plant physiology breaks the mold. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2020; 227:667-679. [PMID: 32267976 DOI: 10.1111/nph.16460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
How plants have shaped Earth surface feedbacks over geologic time is a key question in botanical and geological inquiry. Recent work has suggested that biomes during the Carboniferous Period contained plants with extraordinary physiological capacity to shape their environment, contradicting the previously dominant view that plants only began to actively moderate the Earth's surface with the rise of angiosperms during the Mesozoic Era. A recently published Viewpoint disputes this recent work, thus here, we document in detail, the mechanistic underpinnings of our modeling and illustrate the extraordinary ecophysiological nature of Carboniferous plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan P Wilson
- Department of Environmental Studies, Haverford College, Haverford, PA, 19041, USA
| | - Joseph D White
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
| | - Isabel P Montañez
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - William A DiMichele
- Department of Paleobiology, Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, 20560, USA
| | - Jennifer C McElwain
- Department of Botany, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Christopher J Poulsen
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Michael T Hren
- Center for Integrative Geosciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
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26
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Yu X, Fu W, Jiang M, Liu G, Zou Y, Chen S. Automatic microbial electro-Fenton system driven by transpiration for degradation of acid orange 7. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 725:138508. [PMID: 32302852 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microbial electro-Fenton system (MEFS) shows potential application for degradation of recalcitrant pollutants. In order to simplify the MEFS and adapt to the practical application situations, such as water, soil or sludge remediation, we developed an automatic MEFS (AMEFS) for degradation of a recalcitrant dye, acid orange 7. The AMEFS contained a microchannel-structured carbon decorated with iron oxides as electro-Fenton cathode. The AMEFS could be either two-electrode configuration that the microchannel-structured carbon connected with an additional bioanode by an external circuit, or single-electrode configuration that the microchannel-structured carbon served as both bioanode and cathode. Thanks to the microchannel structure of the carbon cathode, the AMEFS could be auto-driven by a process similar to the transpiration process of natural plants. The two-electrode AMEFS had higher degradation efficiency of acid orange 7 at lower external resistance, and achieved the highest degradation efficiency of 96% at the short-circuit condition. The single-electrode configuration simplified the setup of the AMEFS and possessed comparable performance with that of two-electrode configuration at short-circuit condition. Moreover, it could degrade high concentration acid orange 7 of up to 50 mg L-1 and achieve a high degradation efficiency of over 93%. The AMEFS could be applied for soil and sludge remediation by direct insertion of the microchannel structured carbon into contaminated body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Yu
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and Nanofiber Engineering Center of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Normal University, Ziyang Road 99th, 330022 Nanchang, China
| | - Wenna Fu
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and Nanofiber Engineering Center of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Normal University, Ziyang Road 99th, 330022 Nanchang, China
| | - Minhua Jiang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and Nanofiber Engineering Center of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Normal University, Ziyang Road 99th, 330022 Nanchang, China; School of New Energy Science and Engineering, Xinyu University, 2666 Sunshine Avenue, 338004 Xinyu City, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Gongming Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and Nanofiber Engineering Center of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Normal University, Ziyang Road 99th, 330022 Nanchang, China
| | - Yan Zou
- Department of mechanics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Luoyu Road 1037, 430074 Wuhan, China.
| | - Shuiliang Chen
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and Nanofiber Engineering Center of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Normal University, Ziyang Road 99th, 330022 Nanchang, China.
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27
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Shi W, Dalrymple RM, McKenny CJ, Morrow DS, Rashed ZT, Surinach DA, Boreyko JB. Passive water ascent in a tall, scalable synthetic tree. Sci Rep 2020; 10:230. [PMID: 31937824 PMCID: PMC6959229 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-57109-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The transpiration cycle in trees is powered by a negative water potential generated within the leaves, which pumps water up a dense array of xylem conduits. Synthetic trees can mimic this transpiration cycle, but have been confined to pumping water across a single microcapillary or microfluidic channels. Here, we fabricated tall synthetic trees where water ascends up an array of large diameter conduits, to enable transpiration at the same macroscopic scale as natural trees. An array of 19 tubes of millimetric diameter were embedded inside of a nanoporous ceramic disk on one end, while their free end was submerged in a water reservoir. After saturating the synthetic tree by boiling it underwater, water can flow continuously up the tubes even when the ceramic disk was elevated over 3 m above the reservoir. A theory is developed to reveal two distinct modes of transpiration: an evaporation-limited regime and a flow-limited regime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Shi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061, United States
| | - Richard M Dalrymple
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061, United States
| | - Collin J McKenny
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061, United States
| | - David S Morrow
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061, United States
| | - Ziad T Rashed
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061, United States
| | - Daniel A Surinach
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061, United States
| | - Jonathan B Boreyko
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061, United States.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061, United States.
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28
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Xu W, Xing Y, Liu J, Wu H, Cui Y, Li D, Guo D, Li C, Liu A, Bai H. Efficient Water Transport and Solar Steam Generation via Radially, Hierarchically Structured Aerogels. ACS NANO 2019; 13:7930-7938. [PMID: 31241310 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b02331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A nature-inspired water-cycling system, akin to trees, to perform effective water and solar energy management for photosynthesis and transpiration is considered to be a promising strategy to solve water scarcity issues globally. However, challenges remain in terms of the relatively low transport rate, short transport distance, and unsatisfactory extraction efficiency. Herein, enlightened by conifer tracheid construction, an efficient water transport and evaporation system composed of a hierarchical structured aerogel is reported. This architecture with radially aligned channels, micron pores, and molecular meshes is realized by applying a radial ice-template method and in situ cryopolymerization technique. This nature-inspired design benefits the aerogel excellent capillary rise performance, realizing a long-distance (>28 cm at 190 min) and quick (>1 cm at 1 s, >9 cm at 300 s) antigravity water transport on a macroscopic scale, regardless of clean water, seawater, sandy groundwater, or dye-including effluent. Furthermore, an efficient water transpiration and collection is performed by the bilayer-structured aerogel with a carbon heat collector on an aerogel top, demonstrating a solar steam generation rate of 2.0 kg m-2 h-1 with the energy conversion efficiency up to 85.7% under one solar illumination. This biomimetic design with the advantage of water transport and evaporation provides a potential approach to realize water purification, regeneration, and desalination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhong Xu
- Center for Optoelectronics Materials and Devices, Key Laboratory of Optical Field Manipulation of Zhejiang Province, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering & Automation , Zhejiang Sci-Tech University , Hangzhou 310018 , P. R. China
| | - Yun Xing
- Center for Optoelectronics Materials and Devices, Key Laboratory of Optical Field Manipulation of Zhejiang Province, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering & Automation , Zhejiang Sci-Tech University , Hangzhou 310018 , P. R. China
| | - Jian Liu
- Center for Optoelectronics Materials and Devices, Key Laboratory of Optical Field Manipulation of Zhejiang Province, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering & Automation , Zhejiang Sci-Tech University , Hangzhou 310018 , P. R. China
| | - Huaping Wu
- Key Laboratory of E&M (Ministry of Education & Zhejiang Province) , Zhejiang University of Technology , Hangzhou 310014 , P. R. China
| | - Ying Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering , Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310027 , P. R. China
| | - Dewen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering , Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310027 , P. R. China
| | - Daoyou Guo
- Center for Optoelectronics Materials and Devices, Key Laboratory of Optical Field Manipulation of Zhejiang Province, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering & Automation , Zhejiang Sci-Tech University , Hangzhou 310018 , P. R. China
| | - Chaorong Li
- Center for Optoelectronics Materials and Devices, Key Laboratory of Optical Field Manipulation of Zhejiang Province, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering & Automation , Zhejiang Sci-Tech University , Hangzhou 310018 , P. R. China
| | - Aiping Liu
- Center for Optoelectronics Materials and Devices, Key Laboratory of Optical Field Manipulation of Zhejiang Province, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering & Automation , Zhejiang Sci-Tech University , Hangzhou 310018 , P. R. China
| | - Hao Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering , Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310027 , P. R. China
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29
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Boyce CK, Zwieniecki MA. The prospects for constraining productivity through time with the whole-plant physiology of fossils. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2019; 223:40-49. [PMID: 30304562 DOI: 10.1111/nph.15446] [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: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Anatomically preserved fossils allow estimation of hydraulic parameters, potentially providing constraints on interpreting whole-plant physiology. However, different organ systems have typically been considered in isolation - a problem given common mismatches of high and low conductance components coupled in the hydraulic path of the same plant. A recent paper addressed the issue of how to handle resistance mismatches in fossil plant hydraulics, focusing on Carboniferous medullosan seed plants and arborescent lycopsids. Among other problems, however, a fundamental error was made: the transpiration stream consists of resistances in series (where resistances are additive and the component with the largest resistance can dominate the behavior of the system), but emphasis was instead placed on the lowest resistance, effectively treating the system as resistances in parallel (where the component with the smallest resistance will dominate the behavior). Instead of possessing high assimilation capacities to match high specific stem conductances, it is argued here that individual high conductance components in these Paleozoic plants are nonetheless associated with low whole-plant productivity, just as can be commonly seen in living plants. Resolution of how to handle these issues may have broad implications for the Earth system including geobiological feedbacks to rock weathering, atmospheric composition, and climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Kevin Boyce
- Geological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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30
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Pan R, Tyree MT. How does water flow from vessel to vessel? Further investigation of the tracheid bridge concept. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 39:1019-1031. [PMID: 30825311 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpz015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Hydraulic safety and efficiency have become the central concept of the interpretation of the structure and function of vessels and their interconnections. Plants form an appropriate xylem network structure to maintain a balance of hydraulic safety vs efficiency. The term 'tracheid bridge' is used to describe a possible pathway of water transport between neighboring vessels via tracheids, and this pathway could also provide increased safety against embolisms. However, the only physiological study of such a structure thus far has been in Hippophae rhamnoides Linn. To test the function of tracheid bridges, this research examined four species that have relatively long and solitary vessels, which are two of the criteria for efficient tracheid bridges. Tracheids contributed less than 2.2% of the total conductance of the vessels in these species, but in theory, tracheids could serve as very efficient transport connector pathways that may or may not make direct vessel-to-vessel contact via pit fields between adjacent vessels. In some species, tracheid bridges may represent the dominant pathway for water flow between vessels, whereas in other species, tracheid bridges may be sub-dominant or virtually nil. Broader searches of woody taxa are needed to reveal the functional importance of tracheid bridges in vascular plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruihua Pan
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau & Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecology, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
- College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Melvin T Tyree
- College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
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31
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Brodersen CR, Roddy AB, Wason JW, McElrone AJ. Functional Status of Xylem Through Time. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLANT BIOLOGY 2019; 70:407-433. [PMID: 30822114 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-050718-100455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Water transport in vascular plants represents a critical component of terrestrial water cycles and supplies the water needed for the exchange of CO2 in the atmosphere for photosynthesis. Yet, many fundamental principles of water transport are difficult to assess given the scale and location of plant xylem. Here we review the mechanistic principles that underpin long-distance water transport in vascular plants, with a focus on woody species. We also discuss the recent development of noninvasive tools to study the functional status of xylem networks in planta. Limitations of current methods to detect drought-induced xylem blockages (e.g., embolisms) and quantify corresponding declines in sap flow, and the coordination of hydraulic dysfunction with other physiological processes are assessed. Future avenues of research focused on cross-validation of plant hydraulics methods are discussed, as well as a proposed fundamental shift in the theory and methodology used to characterize and measure plant water use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig R Brodersen
- School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA;
| | - Adam B Roddy
- School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA;
| | - Jay W Wason
- School of Forest Resources, University of Maine, Orono, Maine 04469, USA
| | - Andrew J McElrone
- US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Davis, California 95616, USA
- Department of Viticulture and Enology, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA
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32
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Losada JM, Blanco-Moure N, Leslie AB. Not all 'pine cones' flex: functional trade-offs and the evolution of seed release mechanisms. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2019; 222:396-407. [PMID: 30367490 DOI: 10.1111/nph.15563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Seed dispersal is critical for plants, but the evolution of mechanisms that actually release seeds from their parents is not well understood. We use the reproductive cones of conifers, specifically the Pinaceae clade, to explore the factors driving the evolution of different release mechanisms in plants. We combine comparative anatomical and phylogenetic analyses to test whether fundamental trade-offs in the mechanical and hydraulic properties of vasculature underlie the evolution of two seed release mechanisms: cone scale flexion and cone scale shedding. We then test whether these mechanisms are linked with differences in seed size, dispersal syndrome and reproductive allocation. Cone scale xylem in flexing species is tough, but poorly conductive. Xylem in shedding species is less extensive, fragile and highly conductive; its thin-walled tracheids allow scales to easily fracture at maturity. Shedding is also consistently associated with large, densely packed seeds. Pinaceae cones exploit a well-known trade-off in xylem mechanical strength vs hydraulic efficiency to generate release mechanisms that allow seeds of various sizes to leave the protecting cone. The linkage among release mechanisms, vascular anatomy and seed traits illustrates how a wide variety of selective pressures may influence the function and physiology of reproductive structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan M Losada
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Brown University, 80 Waterman St., Providence, RI, 02912, USA
- Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, 1300 Centre St., Boston, MA, 02130, USA
| | | | - Andrew B Leslie
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Brown University, 80 Waterman St., Providence, RI, 02912, USA
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33
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Qaderi MM, Martel AB, Dixon SL. Environmental Factors Influence Plant Vascular System and Water Regulation. PLANTS 2019; 8:plants8030065. [PMID: 30875945 PMCID: PMC6473727 DOI: 10.3390/plants8030065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Developmental initiation of plant vascular tissue, including xylem and phloem, from the vascular cambium depends on environmental factors, such as temperature and precipitation. Proper formation of vascular tissue is critical for the transpiration stream, along with photosynthesis as a whole. While effects of individual environmental factors on the transpiration stream are well studied, interactive effects of multiple stress factors are underrepresented. As expected, climate change will result in plants experiencing multiple co-occurring environmental stress factors, which require further studies. Also, the effects of the main climate change components (carbon dioxide, temperature, and drought) on vascular cambium are not well understood. This review aims at synthesizing current knowledge regarding the effects of the main climate change components on the initiation and differentiation of vascular cambium, the transpiration stream, and photosynthesis. We predict that combined environmental factors will result in increased diameter and density of xylem vessels or tracheids in the absence of water stress. However, drought may decrease the density of xylem vessels or tracheids. All interactive combinations are expected to increase vascular cell wall thickness, and therefore increase carbon allocation to these tissues. A comprehensive study of the effects of multiple environmental factors on plant vascular tissue and water regulation should help us understand plant responses to climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirwais M Qaderi
- Department of Biology, Mount Saint Vincent University, 166 Bedford Highway, Halifax, NS B3M 2J6, Canada.
- Department of Biology, Saint Mary's University, 923 Robie Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3C3, Canada.
| | - Ashley B Martel
- Department of Biology, Saint Mary's University, 923 Robie Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3C3, Canada.
| | - Sage L Dixon
- Department of Biology, Mount Saint Vincent University, 166 Bedford Highway, Halifax, NS B3M 2J6, Canada.
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34
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Teixeira DC, Lacerda LD, Silva-Filho EV. Foliar mercury content from tropical trees and its correlation with physiological parameters in situ. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 242:1050-1057. [PMID: 30096543 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.07.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 07/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The terrestrial biogeochemical cycle of mercury has been widely studied because, among other causes, it presents a global distribution and harmful biotic interactions. Forested ecosystems shows great concentrations from Hg and Litterfall is known as the major contributor to the fluxes at the soil/air interface, through the superficial adsorption on the leaves and by the gas exchange of the stomatal pores. The understanding of which processes control the stage of Hg cycle in these ecosystems is still not totally clear. The influences of physiological and morphological parameters were tested against the Hg concentrations in the leaves of 14 endemic species of an evergreen tropical forest in south-eastern Brazil, and an exotic species from Platanus genus. Pathways were studied through leaf areas and growing tree parameters, where maximum rate of net photosynthesis (Pnmax), transpiration rate (E), stomatal conductance (Gs) were examined. The results obtained in situ indicated a positive correlation between Pnmax and the Hg concentration; Cedrela fissilis and Croton floribundus were the most sensitive species to the accumulation of Hg and the most photosynthetically active in this study. The primary productivity from Tropical forest should be a proxy of Hg deposition from atmosphere to soil, retained there while forests stand up, representing an environmental service of sequestration of this global pollutant. Therefore, forests and trees with great photosynthetic potential should be considered in predictions, budgets and non-geological soil content regarding the global Hg cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C Teixeira
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Programa de Pós Graduação em Geoquímica, Niterói, 24020-141, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Luiz D Lacerda
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Instituto de Ciências do Mar, Fortaleza, 60165-081, CE, Brazil
| | - Emmanoel V Silva-Filho
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Programa de Pós Graduação em Geoquímica, Niterói, 24020-141, RJ, Brazil
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Choat B, Brodribb TJ, Brodersen CR, Duursma RA, López R, Medlyn BE. Triggers of tree mortality under drought. Nature 2018; 558:531-539. [DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0240-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 647] [Impact Index Per Article: 107.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Raven JA. Evolution and palaeophysiology of the vascular system and other means of long-distance transport. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018; 373:20160497. [PMID: 29254962 PMCID: PMC5745333 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Photolithotrophic growth on land using atmospheric CO2 inevitably involves H2O vapour loss. Embryophytes greater than or equal to 100 mm tall are homoiohydric and endohydric with mass flow of aqueous solution through the xylem in tracheophytes. Structural details in Rhynie sporophytes enable modelling of the hydraulics of H2O supply to the transpiring surface, and the potential for gas exchange with the Devonian atmosphere. Xylem carrying H2O under tension involves programmed cell death, rigid cell walls and embolism repair; fossils provide little evidence on these functions other than the presence of lignin. The phenylalanine ammonia lyase essential for lignin synthesis came from horizontal gene transfer. Rhynie plants lack endodermes, limiting regulation of the supply of soil nutrients to shoots. The transfer of organic solutes from photosynthetic sites to growing and storage tissues involves mass flow through phloem in extant tracheophytes. Rhynie plants show little evidence of phloem; possible alternatives for transport of organic solutes are discussed. Extant examples of the arbuscular mycorrhizas found in Rhynie plants exchange soil-derived nutrients (especially P) for plant-derived organic matter, involving bidirectional mass flow along the hyphae. The aquatic cyanobacteria and the charalean Palaeonitella at Rhynie also have long-distance (relative to the size of the organism) transport.This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'The Rhynie cherts: our earliest terrestrial ecosystem revisited'.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Raven
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Dundee at the James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, UK
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
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Sellin A, Alber M, Kupper P. Increasing air humidity influences hydraulic efficiency but not functional vulnerability of xylem in hybrid aspen. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 219:28-36. [PMID: 28985513 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2017.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Climate models predict greater increases in the frequency than in the amount of precipitation and a consequent rise in atmospheric humidity at high latitudes by the end of the century. We investigated the responses of hydraulic and relevant anatomical traits of xylem to elevated relative humidity of air on a 1-yr-old coppice of hybrid aspen (Populus×wettsteinii) growing in the experimental stand at the Free Air Humidity Manipulation site in Eastern Estonia. The hydraulic conductivity of stems was measured with a high pressure flow meter; artificial cavitation in the stem segments was induced by the air injection method. Specific conductivity of xylem decreased from 4.42 in the control to 3.94kgm-1s-1MPa-1 in the humidification treatment, while the trend was well correlated with increasing wood density. Humidified trees exhibited smaller leaf area at the same xylem cross-sectional area, resulting in 34% higher average Huber values compared to the control. Control and humidity-treated trees differed by neither native embolism level nor susceptibility to dehydration-induced cavitation. Increasing atmospheric humidity reduces the hydraulic efficiency of hybrid aspen trees expressed on a xylem area basis and causes substantial changes in resource allocation between photosynthetic and water transport tissues. This climate trend does not influence stem vulnerability to cavitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Sellin
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Lai 40, 51005 Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Meeli Alber
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Lai 40, 51005 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Priit Kupper
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Lai 40, 51005 Tartu, Estonia
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Abstract
Mathematical models of fluid flow thorough plant stems permit quantitative assessment of plant ecology using anatomy alone, allowing extinct and extant plants to be measured against one another. Through this process, a series of patterns and observations about plant ecology and evolution can be made. First, many plants evolved high rates of water transport through the evolution of a diverse suite of anatomical adaptations over the last four hundred million years. Second, adaptations to increase hydraulic supply to leaves tend to precede, in evolutionary time, adaptations to increase the safety margin of plant water transport. Third, anatomical breakthroughs in water transport function tend to occur in step with ecological breakthroughs, including the appearance of leaves during the Devonian, the evolution of high leaf areas in early seed plants during the Carboniferous, and the early radiation of flowering plants during the Cretaceous. Quantitative assessment of plant function not only opens up the plant fossil record to ecological comparison, but also provides data that can be used to model fluxes and dynamics of past ecosystems that are rooted in individual plant anatomy.
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Domec JC, Smith DD, McCulloh KA. A synthesis of the effects of atmospheric carbon dioxide enrichment on plant hydraulics: implications for whole-plant water use efficiency and resistance to drought. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2017; 40:921-937. [PMID: 27739596 DOI: 10.1111/pce.12843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Here, we summarize studies on the effects of elevated [CO2 ] (CO2e ) on the structure and function of plant hydraulic architecture and explore the implications of those changes using a model. Changes in conduit diameter and hydraulic conductance due to CO2e vary among species. Ring-porous species tend towards an increase in conduit size and consequently conductivity. The effect in diffuse-porous species is much more limited. In conifers, the results are mixed, some species show minor changes in xylem structure, while other studies found increases in tracheid density and diameter. Non-woody plants generally exhibited the reverse pattern with narrower conduits and lower hydraulic conductivity under CO2e . Further, changes in drought-resistance traits suggest that non-woody plants were the most affected by CO2e , which may permit them to better resist drought-induced embolism under future conditions. Due to their complexity, acclimation in hydraulic traits in response to CO2e is difficult to interpret when relying solely on measurements. When we examined how the observed tissues-specific trends might alter plant function, our modelling results suggest that these hydraulic changes would lead to reduced conductance and more frequent drought stress in trees that develop under CO2e with a more pronounced effect in isohydric than in anisohydric species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Christophe Domec
- Bordeaux Sciences Agro, UMR 1391 INRA-ISPA, 33175, Gradignan Cedex, France
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90328, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Duncan D Smith
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Kate A McCulloh
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
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Pratt RB, Jacobsen AL. Conflicting demands on angiosperm xylem: Tradeoffs among storage, transport and biomechanics. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2017; 40:897-913. [PMID: 27861981 DOI: 10.1111/pce.12862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The secondary xylem of woody plants transports water mechanically supports the plant body and stores resources. These three functions are interdependent giving rise to tradeoffs in function. Understanding the relationships among these functions and their structural basis forms the context in which to interpret xylem evolution. The tradeoff between xylem transport efficiency and safety from cavitation has been carefully examined with less focus on other functions, particularly storage. Here, we synthesize data on all three xylem functions in angiosperm branch xylem in the context of tradeoffs. Species that have low safety and efficiency, examined from a resource economics perspective, are predicted to be adapted for slow resource acquisition and turnover as characterizes some environments. Tradeoffs with water storage primarily arise because of differences in fibre traits, while tradeoffs in carbohydrate storage are driven by parenchyma content of tissue. We find support for a tradeoff between safety from cavitation and storage of both water and starch in branch xylem tissue and between water storage capacity and mechanical strength. Living fibres may facilitate carbohydrate storage without compromising mechanical strength. The division of labour between different xylem cell types allows for considerable functional and structural diversity at multiple scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Brandon Pratt
- California State University, Bakersfield, Department of Biology, Bakersfield, CA, 93311, USA
| | - Anna L Jacobsen
- California State University, Bakersfield, Department of Biology, Bakersfield, CA, 93311, USA
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Watkins JE, Churchill AC, Holbrook NM. A site for sori: Ecophysiology of fertile-sterile leaf dimorphy in ferns. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2016; 103:845-855. [PMID: 27208353 DOI: 10.3732/ajb.1500505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE OF THE STUDY Reproduction often requires significant investment and can move resources away from growth and maintenance; maintaining a balance between reproduction and growth can involve trade-offs. Extreme functional specialization has separated reproduction and photosynthesis in most seed plants, yet ferns use the laminar surface of their fronds for both reproduction and photosynthesis. This dual function selects for a variety of frond morphologies that range from no specialization (monomorphy) to extreme dimorphy between fertile and sterile fronds (holodimorphy). Here we examined the ecological and physiological consequences of variation in frond dimorphy in ferns, evaluated reproductive trade-offs across a dimorphy gradient, and speculate on factors controlling the occurrence of holodimorphy. METHODS Ecophysiological measurements of photosynthetic rate, water potential, hydraulic conductivity, and gross morphological comparisons of frond area and angle were used to evaluate differences between fertile and sterile fronds. We examined three temperate and three tropical fern species that vary in degree of fertile-sterile dimorphy. KEY RESULTS Holodimorphic species produced fewer fertile fronds, which had significantly higher respiratory rates than in sterile fronds on the same plant or in any frond produced on monomorphic species; hemidimorphic species were frequently intermediate. We found no differences in vulnerability to cavitation between fertile and sterile fronds. In dimorphic species, fertile fronds had higher (less negative) water potential and lower stipe hydraulic conductivity relative than in sterile fronds. CONCLUSIONS Fertile-sterile dimorphy in ferns appears to come at considerable carbon cost in holodimorohic species. It is possible that the relative costs of this reproductive system are offset by increased spore dispersal, yet such trade-offs require further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Watkins
- Department of Biology, Colgate University, 13 Oak Drive, Hamilton, New York 13346 USA Arnold Arboretum, Harvard University, 3105 Biological Laboratories, 16 Divinity Avenue,
| | - Amber C Churchill
- Department of Biology, Stonehill College, 320 Washington Street, North Easton, Massachusetts 02357 USA
| | - N Michele Holbrook
- Arnold Arboretum, Harvard University, 3105 Biological Laboratories, 16 Divinity Avenue
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Ruiz-Nieto JE, Aguirre-Mancilla CL, Acosta-Gallegos JA, Raya-Pérez JC, Piedra-Ibarra E, Vázquez-Medrano J, Montero-Tavera V. Photosynthesis and chloroplast genes are involved in water-use efficiency in common bean. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2015; 86:166-173. [PMID: 25500453 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2014.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/29/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
A recent proposal to mitigate the effects of climatic change and reduce water consumption in agriculture is to develop cultivars with high water-use efficiency. The aims of this study were to characterize this trait as a differential response mechanism to water-limitation in two bean cultivars contrasting in their water stress tolerance, to isolate and identify gene fragments related to this response in a model cultivar, as well as to evaluate transcription levels of genes previously identified. Keeping CO2 assimilation through a high photosynthesis rate under limited conditions was the physiological response which allowed the cultivar model to maintain its growth and seed production with less water. Chloroplast genes stood out among identified genetic elements, which confirmed the importance of photosynthesis in such response. ndhK, rpoC2, rps19, rrn16, ycf1 and ycf2 genes were expressed only in response to limited water availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge E Ruiz-Nieto
- División de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Instituto Tecnológico de Roque, Celaya C.P. 38110, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - César L Aguirre-Mancilla
- División de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Instituto Tecnológico de Roque, Celaya C.P. 38110, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Jorge A Acosta-Gallegos
- Campo Experimental Bajío, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Celaya C.P. 38110, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Juan C Raya-Pérez
- División de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Instituto Tecnológico de Roque, Celaya C.P. 38110, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Elías Piedra-Ibarra
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Iztacala C.P. 54090, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Josefina Vázquez-Medrano
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Iztacala C.P. 54090, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Victor Montero-Tavera
- Campo Experimental Bajío, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Celaya C.P. 38110, Guanajuato, Mexico.
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Granda E, Scoffoni C, Rubio-Casal AE, Sack L, Valladares F. Leaf and stem physiological responses to summer and winter extremes of woody species across temperate ecosystems. OIKOS 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.01526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Granda
- Lab. Internacional de Cambio Global (LINC-Global), Depto de Biogeografía y Cambio Global; Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, MNCN, CSIC; Serrano 115 Dpdo. ES-28006 Madrid Spain
| | - Christine Scoffoni
- Dept of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Univ. of California, Los Angeles; 621 Charles E. Young Drive South Los Angeles CA 90095-1606 USA
| | | | - Lawren Sack
- Dept of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Univ. of California, Los Angeles; 621 Charles E. Young Drive South Los Angeles CA 90095-1606 USA
| | - Fernando Valladares
- Lab. Internacional de Cambio Global (LINC-Global), Depto de Biogeografía y Cambio Global; Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, MNCN, CSIC; Serrano 115 Dpdo. ES-28006 Madrid Spain
- Depto de Biología y Geología; ESCET, Univ. Rey Juan Carlos; Tulipán s/n ES-28933 Móstoles Spain
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44
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Kleist TJ, Spencley AL, Luan S. Comparative phylogenomics of the CBL-CIPK calcium-decoding network in the moss Physcomitrella, Arabidopsis, and other green lineages. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2014; 5:187. [PMID: 24860579 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2014.0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2014] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Land plants have evolved a host of anatomical and molecular adaptations for terrestrial growth. Many of these adaptations are believed to be elaborations of features that were present in their algal-like progenitors. In the model plant Arabidopsis, 10 Calcineurin B-Like proteins (CBLs) function as calcium sensors and modulate the activity of 26 CBL-Interacting Protein Kinases (CIPKs). The CBL-CIPK network coordinates environmental responses and helps maintain proper ion balances, especially during abiotic stress. We identified and analyzed CBL and CIPK homologs in green lineages, including CBLs and CIPKs from charophyte green algae, the closest living relatives of land plants. Phylogenomic evidence suggests that the network expanded from a small module, likely a single CBL-CIPK pair, present in the ancestor of modern plants and algae. Extreme conservation of the NAF motif, which mediates CBL-CIPK physical interactions, among all identified CIPKs supports the interpretation of CBL and CIPK homologs in green algae and early diverging land plants as functionally linked network components. We identified the full complement of CBL and CIPK loci in the genome of Physcomitrella, a model moss. These analyses demonstrate the strong effects of a recent moss whole genome duplication: CBL and CIPK loci appear in cognate pairs, some of which appear to be pseudogenes, with high sequence similarity. We cloned all full-length transcripts from these loci and performed yeast two-hybrid analyses to demonstrate CBL-CIPK interactions and identify specific connections within the network. Using phylogenomics, we have identified three ancient types of CBLs that are discernible by N-terminal localization motifs and a "green algal-type" clade of CIPKs with members from Physcomitrella and Arabidopsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Kleist
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California Berkeley Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Andrew L Spencley
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California Berkeley Berkeley, CA, USA ; Department of Dermatology, Stanford University Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sheng Luan
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California Berkeley Berkeley, CA, USA
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Kleist TJ, Spencley AL, Luan S. Comparative phylogenomics of the CBL-CIPK calcium-decoding network in the moss Physcomitrella, Arabidopsis, and other green lineages. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2014; 5:187. [PMID: 24860579 PMCID: PMC4030171 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2014.00187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2014] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Land plants have evolved a host of anatomical and molecular adaptations for terrestrial growth. Many of these adaptations are believed to be elaborations of features that were present in their algal-like progenitors. In the model plant Arabidopsis, 10 Calcineurin B-Like proteins (CBLs) function as calcium sensors and modulate the activity of 26 CBL-Interacting Protein Kinases (CIPKs). The CBL-CIPK network coordinates environmental responses and helps maintain proper ion balances, especially during abiotic stress. We identified and analyzed CBL and CIPK homologs in green lineages, including CBLs and CIPKs from charophyte green algae, the closest living relatives of land plants. Phylogenomic evidence suggests that the network expanded from a small module, likely a single CBL-CIPK pair, present in the ancestor of modern plants and algae. Extreme conservation of the NAF motif, which mediates CBL-CIPK physical interactions, among all identified CIPKs supports the interpretation of CBL and CIPK homologs in green algae and early diverging land plants as functionally linked network components. We identified the full complement of CBL and CIPK loci in the genome of Physcomitrella, a model moss. These analyses demonstrate the strong effects of a recent moss whole genome duplication: CBL and CIPK loci appear in cognate pairs, some of which appear to be pseudogenes, with high sequence similarity. We cloned all full-length transcripts from these loci and performed yeast two-hybrid analyses to demonstrate CBL-CIPK interactions and identify specific connections within the network. Using phylogenomics, we have identified three ancient types of CBLs that are discernible by N-terminal localization motifs and a "green algal-type" clade of CIPKs with members from Physcomitrella and Arabidopsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J. Kleist
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California BerkeleyBerkeley, CA, USA
| | - Andrew L. Spencley
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California BerkeleyBerkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford UniversityStanford, CA, USA
| | - Sheng Luan
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California BerkeleyBerkeley, CA, USA
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Medeiros JS, Pockman WT. Freezing regime and trade-offs with water transport efficiency generate variation in xylem structure across diploid populations of Larrea sp. (Zygophyllaceae). AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2014; 101:598-607. [PMID: 24699537 DOI: 10.3732/ajb.1400046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE OF THE STUDY The impact of changing temperature regime on plant distributions may depend on the nature of physiological variation among populations. The arid-land genus Larrea spans habitats with a range of freezing frequency in North and South America. We hypothesized that variation in xylem anatomy among populations and species within this genus is driven by plasticity and trade-offs between safety from freeze-thaw embolism and water transport efficiency. METHODS We measured vessel density and diameter distributions to predict freeze-thaw embolism and water transport capacity for high and low latitude populations of three Larrea species grown in the field and a greenhouse common garden. KEY RESULTS Among field-grown L. divaricata, low latitude plants had larger mean vessel diameter and greater predicted freeze-thaw embolism, but higher water transport capacity compared with high latitude plants. Though high latitude L. tridentata and L. nitida had abundant smaller vessels, these plants also produced very large vessels and had semi ring-porous wood structure. Thus, their predicted embolism and water transport capacity were comparable to those of low latitude plants. Differences among field-grown and common-garden-grown plants demonstrate that plasticity contributes to population differentiation in xylem characters, though high latitude L. divaricata exhibited relatively lower plasticity. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that a trade-off between transport safety and efficiency contributes substantially to variation in xylem structure within the genus Larrea. In addition, we suggest that xylem plasticity may play a role in negotiating these trade-offs, with implications for responses to future climate change.
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Kim HK, Park J, Hwang I. Investigating water transport through the xylem network in vascular plants. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2014; 65:1895-904. [PMID: 24609652 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/eru075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Our understanding of physical and physiological mechanisms depends on the development of advanced technologies and tools to prove or re-evaluate established theories, and test new hypotheses. Water flow in land plants is a fascinating phenomenon, a vital component of the water cycle, and essential for life on Earth. The cohesion-tension theory (CTT), formulated more than a century ago and based on the physical properties of water, laid the foundation for our understanding of water transport in vascular plants. Numerous experimental tools have since been developed to evaluate various aspects of the CTT, such as the existence of negative hydrostatic pressure. This review focuses on the evolution of the experimental methods used to study water transport in plants, and summarizes the different ways to investigate the diversity of the xylem network structure and sap flow dynamics in various species. As water transport is documented at different scales, from the level of single conduits to entire plants, it is critical that new results be subjected to systematic cross-validation and that findings based on different organs be integrated at the whole-plant level. We also discuss the functional trade-offs between optimizing hydraulic efficiency and maintaining the safety of the entire transport system. Furthermore, we evaluate future directions in sap flow research and highlight the importance of integrating the combined effects of various levels of hydraulic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae Koo Kim
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, CIMMYT-Ethiopia, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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48
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Integration of latex protein sequence data provides comprehensive functional overview of latex proteins. Mol Biol Rep 2014; 41:1469-81. [PMID: 24395295 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-013-2992-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2013] [Accepted: 12/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The laticiferous system is one of the most important conduit systems in higher plants, which produces a milky-like sap known as latex. Latex contains diverse secondary metabolites with various ecological functions. To obtain a comprehensive overview of the latex proteome, we integrated available latex proteins sequences and constructed a comprehensive dataset composed of 1,208 non-redundant latex proteins from 20 various latex-bearing plants. The results of functional analyses revealed that latex proteins are involved in various biological processes, including transcription, translation, protein degradation and the plant response to environmental stimuli. The results of the comparative analysis showed that the functions of the latex proteins are similar to those of phloem, suggesting the functional conservation of plant vascular proteins. The presence of latex proteins in mitochondria and plastids suggests the production of diverse secondary metabolites. Furthermore, using a BLAST search, we identified 854 homologous latex proteins in eight plant species, including three latex-bearing plants, such as papaya, caster bean and cassava, suggesting that latex proteins were newly evolved in vascular plants. Taken together, this study is the largest and most comprehensive in silico analysis of the latex proteome. The results obtained here provide useful resources and information for characterizing the evolution of the latex proteome.
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49
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Raven JA, Edwards D. Photosynthesis in Early Land Plants: Adapting to the Terrestrial Environment. ADVANCES IN PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND RESPIRATION 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-6988-5_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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50
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De Schepper V, De Swaef T, Bauweraerts I, Steppe K. Phloem transport: a review of mechanisms and controls. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2013; 64:4839-50. [PMID: 24106290 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/ert302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
It is generally believed that an osmotically generated pressure gradient drives the phloem mass flow. So far, this widely accepted Münch theory has required remarkably few adaptations, but the debate on alternative and additional hypotheses is still ongoing. Recently, a possible shortcoming of the Münch theory has been pointed out, suggesting that the Münch pressure flow is more suitable for herbs than for trees. Estimation of the phloem resistance indicates that a point might be reached in long sieve tubes where the pressure required to drive the Münch flow cannot be generated. Therefore, the relay hypothesis regained belief as it implies that the sieve tubes are shorter then the plant's axial axis. In the source phloem, three different loading strategies exist which probably result from evolutionary advantages. Passive diffusion seems to be the most primitive one, whereas active loading strategies substantially increase the growth potential. Along the transport phloem, a leakage-retrieval mechanism is observed. Appreciable amounts of carbohydrates are lost from the sieve tubes to feed the lateral sinks, while a part of these lost carbohydrates is subsequently reloaded into the sieve tubes. This mechanism is probably involved to buffer short-term irregularities in phloem turgor and gradient. In the long term, the mechanism controls the replenishment and remobilization of lateral stem storage tissues. As phloem of higher plants has multiple functions in plant development, reproduction, signalling, and growth, the fundamental understanding of the mechanisms behind phloem transport should be elucidated to increase our ability to influence plant growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veerle De Schepper
- Laboratory of Plant Ecology, Department of Applied Ecology and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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