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Microbial Biotechnology Jul 2021Health depends on the diet and a vegetal diet promotes health by providing fibres, vitamins and diverse metabolites. Remarkably, plants may also provide microbes. Fungi... (Review)
Review
Health depends on the diet and a vegetal diet promotes health by providing fibres, vitamins and diverse metabolites. Remarkably, plants may also provide microbes. Fungi and bacteria that reside inside plant tissues (endophytes) seem better protected to survive digestion; thus, we investigated the reported evidence on the endophytic origin of some members of the gut microbiota in animals such as panda, koala, rabbits and tortoises and several herbivore insects. Data examined here showed that some members of the herbivore gut microbiota are common plant microbes, which derived to become stable microbiota in some cases. Endophytes may contribute to plant fibre or antimetabolite degradation and synthesis of metabolites with the plethora of enzymatic activities that they display; some may have practical applications, for example, Lactobacillus plantarum found in the intestinal tract, plants and in fermented food is used as a probiotic that may defend animals against bacterial and viral infections as other endophytic-enteric bacteria do. Clostridium that is an endophyte and a gut bacterium has remarkable capabilities to degrade cellulose by having cellulosomes that may be considered the most efficient nanomachines. Cellulose degradation is a challenge in animal digestion and for biofuel production. Other endophytic-enteric bacteria may have cellulases, pectinases, xylanases, tannases, proteases, nitrogenases and other enzymatic capabilities that may be attractive for biotechnological developments, indeed many endophytes are used to promote plant growth. Here, a cycle of endophytic-enteric-soil-endophytic microbes is proposed which has relevance for health and comprises the fate of animal faeces as natural microbial inoculants for plants that constitute bacterial sources for animal guts.
Topics: Animals; Endophytes; Fungi; Herbivory; Plant Development; Plants
PubMed: 33320440
DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13688 -
Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in... Mar 2022Auxin regulates many aspects of plant development and behavior, including the initiation of new outgrowth, patterning of vascular systems, control of branching, and... (Review)
Review
Auxin regulates many aspects of plant development and behavior, including the initiation of new outgrowth, patterning of vascular systems, control of branching, and responses to the environment. Computational models have complemented experimental studies of these processes. We review these models from two perspectives. First, we consider cellular and tissue-level models of interaction between auxin and its transporters in shoots. These models form a coherent body of results exploring different hypotheses pertinent to the patterning of new outgrowth and vascular strands. Second, we consider models operating at the level of plant organs and entire plants. We highlight techniques used to reduce the complexity of these models, which provide a path to capturing the essence of studied phenomena while running simulations efficiently.
Topics: Biological Transport; Computer Simulation; Indoleacetic Acids; Membrane Transport Proteins; Models, Biological; Plant Development; Plants
PubMed: 34001531
DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a040097 -
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 -
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 -
Molecular Plant Jan 2022Optimal plant development requires root uptake of 14 essential mineral elements from the soil. Since the bioavailability of these nutrients underlies large variation in... (Review)
Review
Optimal plant development requires root uptake of 14 essential mineral elements from the soil. Since the bioavailability of these nutrients underlies large variation in space and time, plants must dynamically adjust their root architecture to optimize nutrient access and acquisition. The information on external nutrient availability and whole-plant demand is translated into cellular signals that often involve phytohormones as intermediates to trigger a systemic or locally restricted developmental response. Timing and extent of such local root responses depend on the overall nutritional status of the plant that is transmitted from shoots to roots in the form of phytohormones or other systemic long-distance signals. The integration of these systemic and local signals then determines cell division or elongation rates in primary and lateral roots, the initiation, emergence, or elongation of lateral roots, as well as the formation of root hairs. Here, we review the cascades of nutrient-related sensing and signaling events that involve hormones and highlight nutrient-hormone relations that coordinate root developmental plasticity in plants.
Topics: Arabidopsis; Cell Plasticity; Edible Grain; Plant Development; Plant Growth Regulators; Plant Roots
PubMed: 34920172
DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2021.12.004 -
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