1
|
Gómez-Espinoza O, Fuentes FI, Ramírez CF, Bravo LA, Sáez PL. In Situ Accumulation of CaOx Crystals in C. quitensis Leaves and Its Relationship with Anatomy and Gas Exchange. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:769. [PMID: 38592779 PMCID: PMC10975422 DOI: 10.3390/plants13060769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
The accumulation of crystal calcium oxalate (CaOx) in plants is linked to a type of stress-induced photosynthesis termed 'alarm photosynthesis', serving as a carbon reservoir when carbon dioxide (CO2) exchange is constrained. Colobanthus quitensis is an extremophyte found from southern Mexico to Antarctica, which thrives in high-altitude Andean regions. Growing under common garden conditions, C. quitensis from different latitudinal provenances display significant variations in CaOx crystal accumulation. This raises the following questions: are these differences maintained under natural conditions? And is the CaOx accumulation related to mesophyll conductance (gm) and net photosynthesis (AN) performed in situ? It is hypothesized that in provenances with lower gm, C. quitensis will exhibit an increase in the use of CaOx crystals, resulting in reduced crystal leaf abundance. Plants from Central Chile (33°), Patagonia (51°), and Antarctica (62°) were measured in situ and sampled to determine gas exchange and CaOx crystal accumulation, respectively. Both AN and gm decrease towards higher latitudes, correlating with increases in leaf mass area and leaf density. The crystal accumulation decreases at higher latitudes, correlating positively with AN and gm. Thus, in provenances where environmental conditions induce more xeric traits, the CO2 availability for photosynthesis decreases, making the activation of alarm photosynthesis feasible as an internal source of CO2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olman Gómez-Espinoza
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Biología Molecular Vegetal, Departamento de Ciencias Agronómicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Medioambiente, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile; (O.G.-E.); (F.I.F.); (L.A.B.)
| | - Francisca I. Fuentes
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Biología Molecular Vegetal, Departamento de Ciencias Agronómicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Medioambiente, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile; (O.G.-E.); (F.I.F.); (L.A.B.)
| | - Constanza F. Ramírez
- Laboratorio Cultivo de Tejidos Vegetales, Centro de Biotecnología, Departamento de Silvicultura, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción 4030000, Chile;
- Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad—IEB, Las Palmeras 3425, Ñuñoa, Santiago 7800003, Chile
| | - León A. Bravo
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Biología Molecular Vegetal, Departamento de Ciencias Agronómicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Medioambiente, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile; (O.G.-E.); (F.I.F.); (L.A.B.)
| | - Patricia L. Sáez
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Biología Molecular Vegetal, Departamento de Ciencias Agronómicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Medioambiente, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile; (O.G.-E.); (F.I.F.); (L.A.B.)
- Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad—IEB, Las Palmeras 3425, Ñuñoa, Santiago 7800003, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ramírez CF, Cavieres LA, Sanhueza C, Vallejos V, Gómez-Espinoza O, Bravo LA, Sáez PL. Ecophysiology of Antarctic Vascular Plants: An Update on the Extreme Environment Resistance Mechanisms and Their Importance in Facing Climate Change. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:449. [PMID: 38337983 PMCID: PMC10857404 DOI: 10.3390/plants13030449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Antarctic flowering plants have become enigmatic because of their unique capability to colonize Antarctica. It has been shown that there is not a single trait that makes Colobanthus quitensis and Deschampsia antarctica so special, but rather a set of morphophysiological traits that coordinately confer resistance to one of the harshest environments on the Earth. However, both their capacity to inhabit Antarctica and their uniqueness remain not fully explained from a biological point of view. These aspects have become more relevant due to the climatic changes already impacting Antarctica. This review aims to compile and update the recent advances in the ecophysiology of Antarctic vascular plants, deepen understanding of the mechanisms behind their notable resistance to abiotic stresses, and contribute to understanding their potential responses to environmental changes. The uniqueness of Antarctic plants has prompted research that emphasizes the role of leaf anatomical traits and cell wall properties in controlling water loss and CO2 exchange, the role of Rubisco kinetics traits in facilitating efficient carbon assimilation, and the relevance of metabolomic pathways in elucidating key processes such as gas exchange, nutrient uptake, and photoprotection. Climate change is anticipated to have significant and contrasting effects on the morphophysiological processes of Antarctic species. However, more studies in different locations outside Antarctica and using the latitudinal gradient as a natural laboratory to predict the effects of climate change are needed. Finally, we raise several questions that should be addressed, both to unravel the uniqueness of Antarctic vascular species and to understand their potential responses to climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Constanza F. Ramírez
- Laboratorio Cultivo de Tejidos Vegetales, Centro de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4030000, Chile; (C.F.R.); (V.V.)
- Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad-IEB, Las Palmeras 3425, Ñuñoa, Santiago 7800003, Chile;
| | - Lohengrin A. Cavieres
- Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad-IEB, Las Palmeras 3425, Ñuñoa, Santiago 7800003, Chile;
- ECOBIOSIS, Departamento de Botánica, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Barrio Universitario s/n, Concepción 4030000, Chile
| | - Carolina Sanhueza
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Vegetal, Departamento de Botánica, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Barrio Universitario s/n, Concepción 4030000, Chile;
| | - Valentina Vallejos
- Laboratorio Cultivo de Tejidos Vegetales, Centro de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4030000, Chile; (C.F.R.); (V.V.)
- Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad-IEB, Las Palmeras 3425, Ñuñoa, Santiago 7800003, Chile;
| | - Olman Gómez-Espinoza
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Biología Molecular Vegetal, Departamento de Ciencias Agronómicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Medioambiente, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile; (O.G.-E.) (L.A.B.)
| | - León A. Bravo
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Biología Molecular Vegetal, Departamento de Ciencias Agronómicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Medioambiente, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile; (O.G.-E.) (L.A.B.)
| | - Patricia L. Sáez
- Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad-IEB, Las Palmeras 3425, Ñuñoa, Santiago 7800003, Chile;
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Biología Molecular Vegetal, Departamento de Ciencias Agronómicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Medioambiente, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile; (O.G.-E.) (L.A.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Khan MI, Pandith SA, Shah MA, Reshi ZA. Calcium Oxalate Crystals, the Plant 'Gemstones': Insights into Their Synthesis and Physiological Implications in Plants. PLANT & CELL PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 64:1124-1138. [PMID: 37498947 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcad081] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
From simple algal forms to the most advanced angiosperms, calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals (CRs) occur in the majority of taxonomic groups of photosynthetic organisms. Various studies have demonstrated that this biomineralization is not a simple or random event but a genetically regulated coordination between calcium uptake, oxalate (OX) synthesis and, sometimes, environmental stresses. Certainly, the occurrence of CaOx CRs is old; however, questions related to their genesis, biosynthesis, significance and genetics exhibit robust evolution. Moreover, their speculated roles in bulk calcium regulation, heavy metal/OX detoxification, light reflectance and photosynthesis, and protection against grazing and herbivory, besides other characteristics, are gaining much interest. Thus, it is imperative to understand their synthesis and regulation in relation to the ascribed key functions to reconstruct future perspectives in harnessing their potential to achieve nutritious and pest-resistant crops amid anticipated global climatic perturbations. This review critically addresses the basic and evolving concepts of the origin (and recycling), synthesis, significance, regulation and fate vis-à-vis various functional aspects of CaOx CRs in plants (and soil). Overall, insights and conceptual future directions present them as potential biominerals to address future climate-driven issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Ishfaq Khan
- Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190006, India
| | - Shahzad A Pandith
- Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190006, India
| | - Manzoor A Shah
- Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190006, India
| | - Zafar A Reshi
- Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190006, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu J, Bi B, Tian G, Li Z, Wang W, Ma F, Shi H, Liu W. Crystal idioblasts are involved in the anther dehiscence of Nicotiana tabacum. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2022; 174:e13753. [PMID: 36004735 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.13753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In Nicotiana tabacum, the degeneration of connective tissue and stomium tissue (the stomium and circular cell cluster [CCC]) is essential for anther dehiscence. Both connective cells and CCC cells are crystal idioblasts, and these cells will undergo degeneration after accumulating calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals. However, detailed data concerning this process are minimal. Therefore, this study used cellular biological and physiological methods to illustrate this relationship. Results demonstrated that tobacco anther dehiscence is a series of timed programmed cell death (PCD) processes that include the CCC, connective tissue, and stomium. The degenerating crystal idioblasts of the tobacco anther were found to possess two hallmark characteristics that distinguished them from normal PCD cells, namely dynamic changes in CaOx crystals and the appearance of numerous peroxisomes. The accumulation of CaOx and the production of H2 O2 occurred simultaneously or successively before PCD. The peak H2 O2 content was found to appear after the insoluble oxalate. Further, CeCl3 cytochemistry staining was used to detect subcellular H2 O2 , and the precipitate of H2 O2 was primarily present in peroxisomes and around CaOx crystals. These results show that anther dehiscence in N. tabacum is a PCD process in which crystal idioblasts play a vital role in CaOx degradation and H2 O2 production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- School of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
- School of Life Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Baoxia Bi
- School of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Guanghua Tian
- School of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ziwei Li
- School of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Weirui Wang
- School of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fang Ma
- School of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
- Institute of Ethnic Preparatory, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Hongyong Shi
- School of Life Science, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenzhe Liu
- School of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hu Y, Yang L, Gao C, Liao D, Long L, Qiu J, Wei H, Deng Q, Zhou Y. A comparative study on the leaf anatomical structure of Camellia oleifera in a low-hot valley area in Guizhou Province, China. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262509. [PMID: 35051236 PMCID: PMC8775352 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The leaf serves as an important assimilation organ of plants, and the anatomical structure of leaves can reflect the adaptability of the plant to the environment to a certain extent. The current study aimed to cultivate superior local cultivars, and 35 healthy individual plants were selected from the Camellia oleifera germplasm resource nursery for a comparative study of the leaf structure. In July 2019, the leaves were collected from 35 selected healthy C. oleifera plants, and the leaf structure was observed by using the paraffin section method. Healthy individual plants were screened using variance analysis, correlation analysis and cluster analysis. The representative indices were selected according to the cluster membership, correlation indices and coefficient of variation (C/V) for a comprehensive evaluation of drought resistance via the membership function. There were extremely significant differences in 11 indices of leaf structure for these 35 healthy plants. C18 had the greatest leaf thickness, C7 the largest spongy tissue, and C38 the largest ratio of palisade tissue thickness to spongy tissue thickness (P/S). The clustering results of the healthy individual plants differed significantly. The membership function showed that the drought resistance of 35 C. oleifera plants was divided into five categories. C18 had very strong drought resistance, and C3, C7 and C40 had strong drought resistance. There were significant differences in terms of the upper epidermis, P/S ratio and spongy tissue among the C. oleifera plants. C18, C3, C7 and C40 exhibited satisfactory drought resistance. Although C39 and C26 had moderate drought resistance, their P/S ratios were high, which might be used to cultivate high-yield and drought-resistant C. oleifera varieties. The leaf P/S ratio of C. oleifera from low-hot valley areas was high. Among various leaf structures, spongy tissue, upper epidermis, P/S ratio and cuticle constitute the drought resistance evaluation indices for C. oleifera grown in low-hot valley areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Hu
- Institute for Forest Resources and Environment of Guizhou, Key laboratory of forest cultivation in plateau mountain of Guizhou province, College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Lu Yang
- Institute for Forest Resources and Environment of Guizhou, Key laboratory of forest cultivation in plateau mountain of Guizhou province, College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Chao Gao
- Institute for Forest Resources and Environment of Guizhou, Key laboratory of forest cultivation in plateau mountain of Guizhou province, College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Desheng Liao
- Guizhou Southwest Karst Regional Development Institute, Xingyi, China
| | - Li Long
- Institute for Forest Resources and Environment of Guizhou, Key laboratory of forest cultivation in plateau mountain of Guizhou province, College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jie Qiu
- Institute for Forest Resources and Environment of Guizhou, Key laboratory of forest cultivation in plateau mountain of Guizhou province, College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Hongli Wei
- Institute for Forest Resources and Environment of Guizhou, Key laboratory of forest cultivation in plateau mountain of Guizhou province, College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Quanen Deng
- Institute for Forest Resources and Environment of Guizhou, Key laboratory of forest cultivation in plateau mountain of Guizhou province, College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yunchao Zhou
- Institute for Forest Resources and Environment of Guizhou, Key laboratory of forest cultivation in plateau mountain of Guizhou province, College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gómez-Espinoza O, González-Ramírez D, Méndez-Gómez J, Guillén-Watson R, Medaglia-Mata A, Bravo LA. Calcium Oxalate Crystals in Leaves of the Extremophile Plant Colobanthus quitensis (Kunth) Bartl. (Caryophyllaceae). PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10091787. [PMID: 34579321 PMCID: PMC8470922 DOI: 10.3390/plants10091787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The presence of calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals has been widely reported in the plant kingdom. These structures play a central role in various physiological functions, including calcium regulation, metal detoxification, and photosynthesis. However, precise knowledge about their possible roles and functions in plants is still limited. Therefore, the present work aims to study the ecotypic variability of Colobanthus quitensis, an extremophile species, concerning CaOx crystal accumulation. The CaOx crystals were studied in leaves of C. quitensis collected from different provenances within a latitudinal gradient (From Andes mountains in central Chile to Antarctica) and grown under common garden conditions. Polarized light microscopy, digital image analysis, and electron microscopy were used to characterize CaOx crystals. The presence of CaOx crystals was confirmed in the four provenances of C. quitensis, with significant differences in the accumulation among them. The Andean populations presented the highest accumulation of crystals and the Antarctic population the lowest. Electron microscopy showed that CaOx crystals in C. quitensis are classified as druses based on their morphology. The differences found could be linked to processes of ecotypic differentiation and plant adaptation to harsh environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olman Gómez-Espinoza
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Biología Molecular Vegetal, Instituto de Agroindustria, Departamento de Ciencias Agronómicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Forestales & Center of Plant, Soil Interaction and Natural Resources Biotechnology, Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 1145, Chile; or
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Escuela de Biología, Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica, Cartago 30101, Costa Rica; (D.G.-R.); (R.G.-W.)
| | - Daniel González-Ramírez
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Escuela de Biología, Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica, Cartago 30101, Costa Rica; (D.G.-R.); (R.G.-W.)
| | - Jairo Méndez-Gómez
- Laboratorio Institucional de Microscopía, Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica, Cartago 30101, Costa Rica; (J.M.-G.); (A.M.-M.)
| | - Rossy Guillén-Watson
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Escuela de Biología, Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica, Cartago 30101, Costa Rica; (D.G.-R.); (R.G.-W.)
- Laboratorio Institucional de Microscopía, Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica, Cartago 30101, Costa Rica; (J.M.-G.); (A.M.-M.)
| | - Alejandro Medaglia-Mata
- Laboratorio Institucional de Microscopía, Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica, Cartago 30101, Costa Rica; (J.M.-G.); (A.M.-M.)
| | - León A. Bravo
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Biología Molecular Vegetal, Instituto de Agroindustria, Departamento de Ciencias Agronómicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Forestales & Center of Plant, Soil Interaction and Natural Resources Biotechnology, Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 1145, Chile; or
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-45-2592821
| |
Collapse
|