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Current Biology : CB Sep 2017Plants can generate a spectacular array of complex shapes, many of which exhibit elaborate curvature in three dimensions, illustrated for example by orchid flowers and... (Review)
Review
Plants can generate a spectacular array of complex shapes, many of which exhibit elaborate curvature in three dimensions, illustrated for example by orchid flowers and pitcher-plant traps. All of these structures arise through differential growth. Recent findings provide fresh mechanistic insights into how regional cell behaviours may lead to tissue deformations, including anisotropies and curvatures, which shape growing volumes and sheets of cells. Here were review our current understanding of how genes, growth, mechanics, and evolution interact to generate diverse structures. We illustrate problems and approaches with the complex three-dimensional trap of the bladderwort, Utricularia gibba, to show how a multidisciplinary approach can be extended to new model systems to understand how diverse plant shapes can develop and evolve.
Topics: Biological Evolution; Biomechanical Phenomena; Lamiales; Morphogenesis; Plant Development
PubMed: 28898664
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2017.05.079 -
Plant Communications Nov 2020It has long been recognized that natural selection during the haploid gametophytic phase of the plant life cycle may have widespread importance for rates of evolution... (Review)
Review
It has long been recognized that natural selection during the haploid gametophytic phase of the plant life cycle may have widespread importance for rates of evolution and the maintenance of genetic variation. Recent theoretical advances have further highlighted the significance of gametophytic selection for diverse evolutionary processes. Genomic approaches offer exciting opportunities to address key questions about the extent and effects of gametophytic selection on plant evolution and adaptation. Here, we review the progress and prospects for integrating functional and evolutionary genomics to test theoretical predictions, and to examine the importance of gametophytic selection on genetic diversity and rates of evolution. There is growing evidence that selection during the gametophyte phase of the plant life cycle has important effects on both gene and genome evolution and is likely to have important pleiotropic effects on the sporophyte. We discuss the opportunities to integrate comparative population genomics, genome-wide association studies, and experimental approaches to further distinguish how differential selection in the two phases of the plant life cycle contributes to genetic diversity and adaptive evolution.
Topics: Biological Evolution; Genome-Wide Association Study; Genomics; Germ Cells, Plant; Plant Development; Plants; Selection, Genetic
PubMed: 33367268
DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2020.100115 -
Protoplasma May 2021Claims that plants have conscious experiences have increased in recent years and have received wide coverage, from the popular media to scientific journals. Such claims... (Review)
Review
Claims that plants have conscious experiences have increased in recent years and have received wide coverage, from the popular media to scientific journals. Such claims are misleading and have the potential to misdirect funding and governmental policy decisions. After defining basic, primary consciousness, we provide new arguments against 12 core claims made by the proponents of plant consciousness. Three important new conclusions of our study are (1) plants have not been shown to perform the proactive, anticipatory behaviors associated with consciousness, but only to sense and follow stimulus trails reactively; (2) electrophysiological signaling in plants serves immediate physiological functions rather than integrative-information processing as in nervous systems of animals, giving no indication of plant consciousness; (3) the controversial claim of classical Pavlovian learning in plants, even if correct, is irrelevant because this type of learning does not require consciousness. Finally, we present our own hypothesis, based on two logical assumptions, concerning which organisms possess consciousness. Our first assumption is that affective (emotional) consciousness is marked by an advanced capacity for operant learning about rewards and punishments. Our second assumption is that image-based conscious experience is marked by demonstrably mapped representations of the external environment within the body. Certain animals fit both of these criteria, but plants fit neither. We conclude that claims for plant consciousness are highly speculative and lack sound scientific support.
Topics: Consciousness; Humans; Plant Development; Plants
PubMed: 33196907
DOI: 10.1007/s00709-020-01579-w -
The New Phytologist Oct 2017
Topics: Biological Evolution; Developmental Biology; Plant Development; Plants
PubMed: 28921559
DOI: 10.1111/nph.14808 -
Biology Open Oct 2023Cell-cell communication is a central feature of multicellular organisms, enabling division of labour and coordinated responses. Plasmodesmata are membrane-lined pores... (Review)
Review
Cell-cell communication is a central feature of multicellular organisms, enabling division of labour and coordinated responses. Plasmodesmata are membrane-lined pores that provide regulated cytoplasmic continuity between plant cells, facilitating signalling and transport across neighboring cells. Plant development and survival profoundly depend on the existence and functioning of these structures, bringing them to the spotlight for both fundamental and applied research. Despite the rich conceptual and translational rewards in sight, however, the study of plasmodesmata poses significant challenges. This Review will mostly focus on research published between May 2022 and May 2023 and intends to provide a short overview of recent discoveries, innovations, community resources and hypotheses.
Topics: Plasmodesmata; Cell Communication; Signal Transduction; Plant Development; Biology
PubMed: 37874138
DOI: 10.1242/bio.060123 -
The FEBS Journal Apr 2022Both auxin signalling and programmed cell death (PCD) are essential components of a normally functioning plant. Auxin underpins plant growth and development, as well as... (Review)
Review
Both auxin signalling and programmed cell death (PCD) are essential components of a normally functioning plant. Auxin underpins plant growth and development, as well as regulating plant defences against environmental stresses. PCD, a genetically controlled pathway for selective elimination of redundant, damaged or infected cells, is also a key element of many developmental processes and stress response mechanisms in plants. An increasing body of evidence suggests that auxin signalling and PCD regulation are often connected. While generally auxin appears to suppress cell death, it has also been shown to promote PCD events, most likely via stimulation of ethylene biosynthesis. Intriguingly, certain cells undergoing PCD have also been suggested to control the distribution of auxin in plant tissues, by either releasing a burst of auxin or creating an anatomical barrier to auxin transport and distribution. These recent findings indicate novel roles of localized PCD events in the context of plant development such as control of root architecture, or tissue regeneration following injury, and suggest exciting possibilities for incorporation of this knowledge into crop improvement strategies.
Topics: Apoptosis; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Indoleacetic Acids; Plant Development; Plant Roots; Plants; Stress, Physiological
PubMed: 34543510
DOI: 10.1111/febs.16210 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jul 2023Glycosylation is a widespread glycosyl modification that regulates gene expression and metabolite bioactivity in all life processes of plants. Phosphoribosylation is a... (Review)
Review
Glycosylation is a widespread glycosyl modification that regulates gene expression and metabolite bioactivity in all life processes of plants. Phosphoribosylation is a special glycosyl modification catalyzed by phosphoribosyltransferase (PRTase), which functions as a key step in the biosynthesis pathway of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides, histidine, tryptophan, and coenzyme NAD(P) to control the production of these essential metabolites. Studies in the past decades have reported that PRTases are indispensable for plant survival and thriving, whereas the complicated physiological role of PRTases in plant life and their crosstalk is not well understood. Here, we comprehensively overview and critically discuss the recent findings on PRTases, including their classification, as well as the function and crosstalk in regulating plant development, abiotic stress response, and the balance of growth and stress responses. This review aims to increase the understanding of the role of plant PRTase and also contribute to future research on the trade-off between plant growth and stress response.
Topics: Plant Development; Pentosyltransferases; Plants; Stress, Physiological; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
PubMed: 37511586
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411828 -
International Journal of Molecular... Feb 2022In plants, salicylic acid (SA) is a hormone that mediates a plant's defense against pathogens. SA also takes an active role in a plant's response to various abiotic... (Review)
Review
In plants, salicylic acid (SA) is a hormone that mediates a plant's defense against pathogens. SA also takes an active role in a plant's response to various abiotic stresses, including chilling, drought, salinity, and heavy metals. In addition, in recent years, numerous studies have confirmed the important role of SA in plant morphogenesis. In this review, we summarize data on changes in root morphology following SA treatments under both normal and stress conditions. Finally, we provide evidence for the role of SA in maintaining the balance between stress responses and morphogenesis in plant development, and also for the presence of SA crosstalk with other plant hormones during this process.
Topics: Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Plant Development; Plant Growth Regulators; Plant Roots; Plants; Salicylic Acid
PubMed: 35216343
DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042228 -
International Journal of Molecular... Aug 2019Anthropogenic pollution of agricultural soils with cadmium (Cd) should receive adequate attention as Cd accumulation in crops endangers human health. When Cd is present... (Review)
Review
Anthropogenic pollution of agricultural soils with cadmium (Cd) should receive adequate attention as Cd accumulation in crops endangers human health. When Cd is present in the soil, plants are exposed to it throughout their entire life cycle. As it is a non-essential element, no specific Cd uptake mechanisms are present. Therefore, Cd enters the plant through transporters for essential elements and consequently disturbs plant growth and development. In this review, we will focus on the effects of Cd on the most important events of a plant's life cycle covering seed germination, the vegetative phase and the reproduction phase. Within the vegetative phase, the disturbance of the cell cycle by Cd is highlighted with special emphasis on endoreduplication, DNA damage and its relation to cell death. Furthermore, we will discuss the cell wall as an important structure in retaining Cd and the ability of plants to actively modify the cell wall to increase Cd tolerance. As Cd is known to affect concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and phytohormones, special emphasis is put on the involvement of these compounds in plant developmental processes. Lastly, possible future research areas are put forward and a general conclusion is drawn, revealing that Cd is agonizing for all stages of plant development.
Topics: Cadmium; Cell Wall; Germination; Oxidative Stress; Plant Development; Seeds
PubMed: 31443183
DOI: 10.3390/ijms20163971 -
Plant Physiology and Biochemistry : PPB Jan 2022Plant non-specific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTPs) are usually defined as small, basic proteins, with a wide distribution in all orders of higher plants. Structurally,... (Review)
Review
Plant non-specific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTPs) are usually defined as small, basic proteins, with a wide distribution in all orders of higher plants. Structurally, nsLTPs contain a conserved motif of eight cysteines, linked by four disulphide bonds, and a hydrophobic cavity in which the ligand is housed. This structure confers stability and enhances the ability to bind and transport a variety of hydrophobic molecules. Their highly conserved structural resemblance but low sequence identity reflects the wide variety of ligands they can carry, as well as the broad biological functions to which they are linked to, such as membrane stabilization, cell wall organization and signal transduction. In addition, they have also been described as essential in resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, plant growth and development, seed development, and germination. Hence, there is growing interest in this family of proteins for their critical roles in plant development and for the many unresolved questions that need to be clarified, regarding their subcellular localization, transfer capacity, expression profile, biological function, and evolution.
Topics: Antigens, Plant; Lipids; Plant Development; Plant Proteins; Plants
PubMed: 34992048
DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2021.12.026