Comparison of thylakoid structure and organization in sun and shade Haberlea rhodopensis populations under desiccation and rehydration

Toxic effects of lanthanum(III) on photosynthetic performance of rice seedlings: Combined chlorophyll fluorescence, chloroplast structure and thylakoid membrane protein assessment

Rare earth elements (REEs) are emerging as an anticipated pollution in the environment due to their active use in many areas. However, the effects of REEs on the photosynthesis of rice have not been thoroughly explored. Therefore, this study emphasizes how high levels of La(III) affect the thylakoid membrane of rice seedlings, thereby inhibiting photosynthesis and growth. Here, we reported that rice plants treated with La(III) exhibited an increase in La accumulation in the leaves, accompanied by a decrease in chlorophyll content and photosynthetic capacity. La(III) exposure decreased Mg content in leaves, but possibly increased other nutrients including Cu, Mn, and Zn through systemic endocytosis. K-band and L-band appeared in the fluorescence OJIP transients, indicating La(III) stress destroyed the donor and receptor sides of photosystem II (PSII). Numerous reaction centers (RC/CSm) were inactivated by La(III) treatment, which resulted in a reduction in electron transport capacity (decreased ETo/RC and ETo/CSm) and an increase in the dissipation of the excess excitation energy by heat (increased DIo/RC and DIo/CSm). The BN-PAGE analysis of thylakoid membrane protein complexes showed that La(III) induced the degradation of supercomplexes, PSII core, LHCII, PSI core, LHCI, and F1-ATPase binding Cyt b6f complex. Collectively, this study revealed that La(III) causes significant degradation of thylakoid membrane proteins, thereby promoting the decomposition of photosynthetic complexes, ultimately destroying the chloroplast structure and reducing the photosynthetic performance of rice seedlings.

Coated Hematite Nanoparticles Alleviate Iron Deficiency in Cucumber in Acidic Nutrient Solution and as Foliar Spray

Micronutrient iron (Fe) deficiency poses a widespread agricultural challenge with global implications. Fe deficiency affects plant growth and immune function, leading to reduced yields and contributing to the global "hidden hunger." While conventional Fe-based fertilizers are available, their efficacy is limited under certain conditions. Most recently, nanofertilizers have been shown as promising alternatives to conventional fertilizers. In this study, three nanohematite/nanoferrihydrite preparations (NHs) with different coatings were applied through the roots and shoots to Fe-deficient cucumber plants. To enhance Fe mobilization to leaves during foliar treatment, the plants were pre-treated with various acids (citric acid, ascorbic acid, and glycine) at a concentration of 0.5 mM. Multiple physiological parameters were examined, revealing that both root and foliar treatments resulted in improved chlorophyll content, biomass, photosynthetic parameters, and reduced ferric chelate reductase activity. The plants also significantly accumulated Fe in their developing leaves and its distribution after NHs treatment, detected by X-ray fluorescence mapping, implied long-distance mobilization in their veins. These findings suggest that the applied NHs effectively mitigated Fe deficiency in cucumber plants through both modes of application, highlighting their potential as nanofertilizers on a larger scale.

Acquisition of Freezing Tolerance of Resurrection Species from Gesneriaceae, a Comparative Study

Resurrection plants have the unique ability to restore normal physiological activity after desiccation to an air-dry state. In addition to their desiccation tolerance, some of them, such as Haberlea rhodopensis and Ramonda myconi, are also freezing-tolerant species, as they survive subzero temperatures during winter. Here, we compared the response of the photosynthetic apparatus of two other Gesneriaceae species, Ramonda serbica and Ramonda nathaliae, together with H. rhodopensis, to cold and freezing temperatures. The role of some protective proteins in freezing tolerance was also investigated. The water content of leaves was not affected during cold acclimation but exposure of plants to -10 °C induced dehydration of plants. Freezing stress strongly reduced the quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (Y(II)) and stomatal conductance (g_s) on the abaxial leaf side. In addition, the decreased ratio of F_v/F_m suggested photoinhibition or sustained quenching. Freezing-induced desiccation resulted in the inhibition of PSII activity, which was accompanied by increased thermal energy dissipation. In addition, an increase of dehydrins and ELIPs was detected, but the protein pattern differed between species. During recovery, the protein abundance decreased and plants completely recovered their photosynthetic activity. Thus, our results showed that R. serbica, R. nathaliae, and H. rhodopensis survive freezing stress due to some resurrection-linked traits and confirmed their freezing tolerance.

Protein Changes in Shade and Sun Haberlea rhodopensis Leaves during Dehydration at Optimal and Low Temperatures

Haberlea rhodopensis is a unique resurrection plant of high phenotypic plasticity, colonizing both shady habitats and sun-exposed rock clefts. H. rhodopensis also survives freezing winter temperatures in temperate climates. Although survival in conditions of desiccation and survival in conditions of frost share high morphological and physiological similarities, proteomic changes lying behind these mechanisms are hardly studied. Thus, we aimed to reveal ecotype-level and temperature-dependent variations in the protective mechanisms by applying both targeted and untargeted proteomic approaches. Drought-induced desiccation enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, but FeSOD and Cu/ZnSOD-III were significantly better triggered in sun plants. Desiccation resulted in the accumulation of enzymes involved in carbohydrate/phenylpropanoid metabolism (enolase, triosephosphate isomerase, UDP-D-apiose/UDP-D-xylose synthase 2, 81E8-like cytochrome P450 monooxygenase) and protective proteins such as vicinal oxygen chelate metalloenzyme superfamily and early light-induced proteins, dehydrins, and small heat shock proteins, the latter two typically being found in the latest phases of dehydration and being more pronounced in sun plants. Although low temperature and drought stress-induced desiccation trigger similar responses, the natural variation of these responses in shade and sun plants calls for attention to the pre-conditioning/priming effects that have high importance both in the desiccation responses and successful stress recovery.

Reactivation of the Photosynthetic Apparatus of Resurrection Plant Haberlea rhodopensis during the Early Phase of Recovery from Drought- and Freezing-Induced Desiccation

Haberlea rhodopensis is a unique desiccation-tolerant angiosperm that also survives winter frost. As, upon freezing temperatures, H. rhodopensis desiccates, the taxon is proposed to survive low temperature stress using its desiccation tolerance mechanisms. To reveal the validity of this hypothesis, we analyzed the structural alterations and organization of photosynthetic apparatus during the first hours of recovery after drought- and freezing-induced desiccation. The dynamics of the ultrastructure remodeling in the mesophyll cells and the restoration of the thylakoid membranes shared similarities independent of the reason for desiccation. Among the most obvious changes in thylakoid complexes, the proportion of the PSI-LHCII complex strongly increased around 70% relative water content (RWC), whereas the proportion of Lhc monomers decreased from the beginning of rehydration. We identified enhanced levels of cyt b₆f complex proteins that contributed to the enhanced electron flow. The high abundance of proteins related to excitation energy dissipation, PsbS, Lhcb5, Lhcb6 and ELIPs, together with the increased content of dehydrins contributed to the preservation of cellular integrity. ELIP expression was maintained at high levels up to 9 h into recovery. Although the recovery processes from drought- and freezing-induced desiccation were found to be similar in progress and time scale, slight variations indicate that they are not identical.

Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of thylakoid complexes separated by Blue Native PAGE

BACKGROUND

Blue Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (BN PAGE) followed by denaturing PAGE is a widely used, convenient and time efficient method to separate thylakoid complexes and study their composition, abundance, and interactions. Previous analyses unravelled multiple monomeric and dimeric/oligomeric thylakoid complexes but, in certain cases, the separation of complexes was not proper. Particularly, the resolution of super- and megacomplexes, which provides important information on functional interactions, still remained challenging.

RESULTS

Using a detergent mixture of 1% (w/V) n-dodecyl-β-D-maltoside plus 1% (w/V) digitonin for solubilisation and 4.3-8% gel gradients for separation as methodological improvements in BN PAGE, several large photosystem (PS) I containing bands were detected. According to BN(/BN)/SDS PAGE and mass spectrometry analyses, these PSI bands proved to be PSI-NADH dehydrogenase-like megacomplexes more discernible in maize bundle sheath thylakoids, and PSI complexes with different light-harvesting complex (LHC) complements (PSI-LHCII, PSI-LHCII*) more abundant in mesophyll thylakoids of lincomycin treated maize. For quantitative determination of the complexes and their comparison across taxa and physiological conditions, sample volumes applicable to the gel, correct baseline determination of the densitograms, evaluation methods to resolve complexes running together, calculation of their absolute/relative amounts and distribution among their different forms are proposed.

CONCLUSIONS

Here we report our experience in Blue/Clear-Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic separation of thylakoid complexes, their identification, quantitative determination and comparison in different samples. The applied conditions represent a powerful methodology for the analysis of thylakoid mega- and supercomplexes.

Antioxidant Defense during Recovery of Resurrection Plant Haberlea rhodopensis from Drought- and Freezing-Induced Desiccation

In this study, the contribution of nonenzymatic (ascorbate, glutathione) and enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase) in the first hours of recovery of the resurrection plant Haberlea rhodopensis from drought- and freezing-induced desiccation was assessed. The initial stage of recovery after desiccation is critical for plants, but less investigated. To better understand the alterations in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, their isoenzyme patterns were determined. Our results showed that ascorbate content remained high during the first 9 h of rehydration of desiccated plants and declined when the leaves′ water content significantly increased. The glutathione content remained high at the first hour of rehydration and then strongly decreased. The changes in ascorbate and glutathione content during recovery from drought- and freezing-induced desiccation showed great similarity. At the beginning of rehydration (1–5 h), the activities of antioxidant enzymes were significantly increased or remained as in dry plants. During 7–24 h of rehydration, certain differences in the enzymatic responses between the two plant groups were registered. The maintenance of a high antioxidant activity and upregulation of individual enzyme isoforms indicated their essential role in protecting plants from oxidative damage during the onset of recovery.

Born to revive: molecular and physiological mechanisms of double tolerance in a paleotropical and resurrection plant

Resurrection plants recover physiological functions after complete desiccation. Almost all of them are native to tropical warm environments. However, the Gesneriaceae include four genera, remnant of the past palaeotropical flora, which inhabit temperate mountains. One of these species is additionally freezing-tolerant: Ramonda myconi. We hypothesise that this species has been able to persist in a colder climate thanks to some resurrection-linked traits. To disentangle the physiological mechanisms underpinning multistress tolerance to desiccation and freezing, we conducted an exhaustive seasonal assessment of photosynthesis (gas exchange, limitations to partitioning, photochemistry and galactolipids) and primary metabolism (through metabolomics) in two natural populations at different elevations. R. myconi displayed low rates of photosynthesis, largely due to mesophyll limitation. However, plants were photosynthetically active throughout the year, excluding a reversible desiccation period. Common responses to desiccation and low temperature involved chloroplast protection: enhanced thermal energy dissipation, higher carotenoid to Chl ratio and de-epoxidation of the xanthophyll cycle. As specific responses, antioxidants and secondary metabolic routes rose upon desiccation, while putrescine, proline and a variety of sugars rose in winter. The data suggest conserved mechanisms to cope with photo-oxidation during desiccation and cold events, while additional metabolic mechanisms may have evolved as specific adaptations to cold during recent glaciations.

The ancient Thracian endemic plant Haberlea rhodopensis Friv. and related species: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Haberlea rhodopensis (HR) use dates back to the Thracian and Roman periods. Bulgarians call it Orpheus flower and exploit its leaves for making tea and extracts with detoxifying, tonic, restorative and rejuvenating effects. HR was traditionally applied in wound healing and treatment of cattle diseases.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The general aim of the review was to analyze the progress of phytochemical and pharmacological studies on HR, focusing on its radioprotective and immunomodulating effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The main source material for the review was collected using several global search engines with the phrase: Haberlea rhodopensis, as well as Bulgarian books and dissertations.

RESULTS

HR metabolite profile includes large amounts of free sugars, polyols, polysaccharides (PS), flavonoids, phenolic acids and carotenoids. The radioprotective effect of 70% ethanolic leaf extract (70HREE) is explained by preservation of lymphocytes, other blood cells and testicular tissue from aberration under γ-radiation via stimulation of antioxidant enzymes and neutralization of free radicals. The extract immunomodulating activity results from raised antibody response, stem and neutrophil cell count, complement system activation, anti-tumour and anti-inflammatory effects. The detoxifying, restorative, rejuvenating and wound healing plant properties known to ethnomedicine were supported by radioprotective and immunomodulating studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Metabolites of phenolic origin involved in HR resurrection are supposed to contribute to its radioprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-mutagenic and anti-aging effects. However, there is no chemical characterization of 70HREE in the investigations with humans and animals. Structure-activity relationship studies on HR immunomodulating and radioprotective compounds, and on their mode of action are required. They should include not only phenols but PS and other unexplored molecules. The metabolic activity of phagocytes, platelets and lymphocytes triggered by HR extracts has to be examined to elucidate their immunostimulatory potential. HR formulations can be tested in cosmetic, food and medical products as adjuvants to treat infectious, chronic inflammatory and tumour diseases, and especially in patients undergoing radiotherapy.

Common and Specific Mechanisms of Desiccation Tolerance in Two Gesneriaceae Resurrection Plants. Multiomics Evidences

Environmental stress, especially water deficiency, seriously limits plant distribution and crop production worldwide. A small group of vascular angiosperm plants termed "resurrection plants," possess desiccation tolerance (DT) to withstand dehydration and to recover fully upon rehydration. In recent years, with the rapid development of life science in plants different omics technologies have been widely applied in resurrection plants to study DT. Boea hygrometrica is native in East and Southeast Asia, and Haberlea rhodopensis is endemic to the Balkans in Europe. They are both resurrection pants from Gesneriaceae family. This paper reviews recent advances in transcriptome and metabolome, and discusses the differences and similarities of DT features between both species. Finally, we believe we provide novel insights into understanding the mechanisms underlying the acquisition and evolution of desiccation tolerance of the resurrection plants that could substantially contribute to develop new approaches for agriculture to overcome water deficiency in future.

Desiccation-induced alterations in surface topography of thylakoids from resurrection plant Haberlea rhodopensis studied by atomic force microscopy, electrokinetic and optical measurements

With their ability to survive complete desiccation, resurrection plants are a suitable model system for studying the mechanisms of drought tolerance. In the present study, we investigated desiccation-induced alterations in surface topography of thylakoids isolated from well-hydrated, moderately dehydrated, severely desiccated and rehydrated Haberlea rhodopensis plants by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM), electrokinetic and optical measurements. According to our knowledge, so far, there were no reports on the characterization of surface topography and polydispersity of thylakoid membranes from resurrection plants using AFM and dynamic light scattering. To study the physicochemical properties of thylakoids from well-hydrated H. rhodopensis plants, we used spinach thylakoids for comparison as a classical model from higher plants. The thylakoids from well-hydrated H. rhodopensis had a grainy surface, significantly different from the well-structured spinach thylakoids with distinct grana and lamella, they had twice smaller cross-sectional area and were 1.5 times less voluminous than that of spinach. Significant differences in their physicochemical properties were observed. The dehydration and subsequent rehydration of plants affected the size, shape, morphology, roughness and therefore the structure of the studied thylakoids. Drought resulted in significant enhancement of negative charges on the outer surface of thylakoid membranes which correlated with the increased roughness of thylakoid surface. This enhancement in surface charge density could be due to the partial unstacking of thylakoids exposing more negatively charged groups from protein complexes on the membrane surface that prevent from possible aggregation upon drought stress.

Physiological and ultrastructural characterisation of a desiccation-tolerant filmy fern, Hymenophyllum caudiculatum: Influence of translational regulation and ABA on recovery

The filmy fern Hymenophyllum caudiculatum can lose 60% of its relative water content, remain dry for some time and recover 88% of photochemical efficiency after 30 min of rehydration. Little is known about the protective strategies and regulation of the cellular rehydration process in this filmy fern species. The aim of this study was to characterise the filmy fern ultrastructure during a desiccation-rehydration cycle, and measure the physiological effects of transcription/translation inhibitors and ABA during desiccation recovery. Confocal and transmission electron microscopy were used to compare changes in structure during fast or slow desiccation. Transcription (actinomycin D) and translation (cycloheximide) inhibitors and ABA were used to compare photochemical efficiency during desiccation recovery. Cell structure was conserved during slow desiccation and rehydration, constitutive properties of the cell wall, allowing invagination and folding of the membranes and an important change in chloroplast size. The use of a translational inhibitor impeded recovery of photochemical efficiency during the first 80 min of rehydration, but the transcriptional inhibitor had no effect. Exogenous ABA delayed photochemical inactivation, and endogenous ABA levels decreased during desiccation and rehydration. Frond curling and chloroplast movements are possible strategies to avoid photodamage. Constitutive membrane plasticity and rapid cellular repair can be adaptations evolved to tolerate a rapid recovery during rehydration. Further research is required to explore the importance of existing mRNAs during the first minutes of recovery, and ABA function during desiccation of H. caudiculatum.

Efficient modulation of photosynthetic apparatus confers desiccation tolerance in the resurrection plant Boea hygrometrica

Boea hygrometrica (B. hygrometrica) can tolerate severe desiccation and resume photosynthetic activity rapidly upon water availability. However, little is known about the mechanisms by which B. hygrometrica adapts to dehydration and resumes competence upon rehydration. Here we determine how B. hygrometrica deals with oxidative stress, excessive excitation/electron pressures as well as photosynthetic apparatus modulation during dehydration/rehydration. By measuring ROS generation and scavenging efficiency, we found that B. hygrometrica possesses efficient strategies to maintain cellular redox homeostasis. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed a remarkable alteration of chloroplast architecture and plastoglobules (PGs) accumulation during dehydration/rehydration. Pulse-amplitude modulated (PAM) chlorophyll fluorescence measurements, P700 redox assay as well as chlorophyll fluorescence emission spectra analysis on leaves of B. hygrometrica during dehydration/rehydration were also performed. Results showed that the photochemical activity of PSII as well as photoprotective energy dissipation in PSII undergo gradual inactivation/activation during dehydration/rehydration in B. hygrometrica; PSI activity is relatively induced upon water deficit, and dehydration leads to physical interaction between PSI and LHCII. Furthermore, blue-native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (BN-PAGE) and immunoblot analysis revealed that the protein abundance of light harvesting complexes decrease markedly along with internal water deficit to restrict light absorption and attenuate electron transfer, resulting in limited light excitation and repressed photosynthesis. In contrast, many thylakoid proteins remain at a basal level even after full dehydration. Taken together, our study demonstrated that efficient modulation of cellular redox homeostasis and photosynthetic activity confers desiccation tolerance in B. hygrometrica.

Antioxidant defense during desiccation of the resurrection plant Haberlea rhodopensis

Maintaining a strong antioxidant system is essential for preventing drought-induced oxidative stress. Thus, in the present study we investigated the role of some non-enzymic and enzymic antioxidants in desiccation tolerance of Haberlea rhodopensis. The effects of high light upon desiccation on antioxidant capacity was estimated by comparing the response of shade and sun plants. The significant enhancement of the antioxidant capacity at 8% RWC corresponded to an enormous increase in flavonoid content. The important role of ascorbate-glutathione cycle in overcoming oxidative stress during drying of H. rhodopensis was established. The antioxidant capacity increased upon dehydration of both shade and sun plants but some differences in non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants were observed. Investigations on the role of polyphenols in desiccation tolerance are scarce. In the present study the polyphenol profiles (fingerprints) of the resurrection plant Haberlea rhodopensis, including all components of the complex are obtained for the first time. It was clarified that the polyphenol complex of H. rhodopensis includes only two types of glycosides - phenylethanoid glucosides and hispidulin 8-C-glucosides. Upon desiccation the polyphenol content increase and the main role of phenylethanoid glucosides in the protection of H. rhodopensis was revealed.

Alterations in the sugar metabolism and in the vacuolar system of mesophyll cells contribute to the desiccation tolerance of Haberlea rhodopensis ecotypes

Haberlea rhodopensis belongs to the small group of resurrection plants having the unique ability to survive desiccation to air dry state retaining most of its chlorophyll content and then resume normal function upon rehydration. It prefers the shady valleys and northward facing slopes of limestone ridges in mountain zones with high average humidity. Nevertheless, it can be found rarely on rocks directly exposed to the sunlight, without the coverage of the canopy. In the present study, we follow the alterations in the subcellular organization of mesophyll cells and sugar metabolism upon desiccation of shade and sun H. rhodopensis plants. Composition and content of soluble carbohydrates during desiccation and rehydration were different in plants grown below the trees or on the sunny rocks. Sucrose, however, was dominating in both ecotypes. The amount of starch grains in chloroplasts was inversely related to that of sugars. Concomitantly with these changes, the number of vacuoles was multiplied in the cells. This can be explained by the development of small (secondary) vacuoles peripherally in the cytoplasm, rather than by the fragmentation of the single vacuole, proposed earlier in the literature. Accordingly, the centripetal movement of chloroplasts and other organelles may be a result of the dynamic changes in the vacuolar system. Upon rehydration, the inner vacuoles enlarged and the organelles returned to their normal position.

Incorporation of iron into chloroplasts triggers the restoration of cadmium induced inhibition of photosynthesis

Photosynthetic symptoms of acute Cd stress can be remedied by elevated Fe supply. To shed more light on the most important aspects of this recovery, the detailed Fe trafficking and accumulation processes as well as the changes in the status of the photosynthetic apparatus were investigated in recovering poplar plants. The Cd-free, Fe-enriched nutrient solution induced an immediate intensive Fe uptake. The increased Fe/Cd ratio in the roots initiated the translocation of Fe to the leaf with a short delay that ultimately led to the accumulation of Fe in the chloroplasts. The chloroplast Fe uptake was directly proportional to the Fe translocation to leaves. The accumulation of PSI reaction centers and the recovery of PSII function studied by Blue-Native PAGE and chlorophyll a fluorescence induction measurements, respectively, began in parallel to the increase in the Fe content of chloroplasts. The initial reorganization of PSII was accompanied by a peak in the antennae-based non-photochemical quenching. In conclusion, Fe accumulation of the chloroplasts is a process of prime importance in the recovery of photosynthesis from acute Cd stress.

Light piping driven photosynthesis in the soil: Low-light adapted active photosynthetic apparatus in the under-soil hypocotyl segments of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Photosynthetic activity was identified in the under-soil hypocotyl part of 14-day-old soil-grown bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Magnum) cultivated in pots under natural light-dark cycles. Electron microscopic, proteomic and fluorescence kinetic and imaging methods were used to study the photosynthetic apparatus and its activity. Under-soil shoots at 0-2cm soil depth featured chloroplasts with low grana and starch grains and with pigment-protein compositions similar to those of the above-soil green shoot parts. However, the relative amounts of photosystem II (PSII) supercomplexes were higher; in addition a PIP-type aquaporin protein was identified in the under-soil thylakoids. Chlorophyll-a fluorescence induction measurements showed that the above- and under-soil hypocotyl segments had similar photochemical yields at low (10-55μmolphotonsm(-2)s(-1)) light intensities. However, at higher photon flux densities the electron transport rate decreased in the under-soil shoot parts due to inactivation of the PSII reaction centers. These properties show the development of a low-light adapted photosynthetic apparatus driven by light piping of the above-soil shoot. The results of this paper demonstrate that the classic model assigning source and sink functions to above- and under-soil tissues is to be refined, and a low-light adapted photosynthetic apparatus in under-soil bean hypocotyls is capable of contributing to its own carbon supply.

Genotypic Variation under Fe Deficiency Results in Rapid Changes in Protein Expressions and Genes Involved in Fe Metabolism and Antioxidant Mechanisms in Tomato Seedlings (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

To investigate Fe deficiency tolerance in tomato cultivars, quantification of proteins and genes involved in Fe metabolism and antioxidant mechanisms were performed in “Roggusanmaru” and “Super Doterang”. Fe deficiency (Moderate, low and –Fe) significantly decreased the biomass, total, and apoplastic Fe concentration of “Roggusanmaru”, while a slight variation was observed in “Super Doterang” cultivar. The quantity of important photosynthetic pigments such as total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents significantly decreased in “Roggusanmaru” than “Super Doterang” cultivar. The total protein profile in leaves and roots determines that “Super Doterang” exhibited an optimal tolerance to Fe deficiency compared to “Roggusanmaru” cultivar. A reduction in expression of PSI (photosystem I), PSII (photosystem II) super-complexes and related thylakoid protein contents were detected in “Roggusanmaru” than “Super Doterang” cultivar. Moreover, the relative gene expression of SlPSI and SlPSII were well maintained in “Super Doterang” than “Roggusanmaru” cultivar. The relative expression of genes involved in Fe-transport (SlIRT1 and SlIRT2) and Fe(III) chelates reductase oxidase (SlFRO1) were relatively reduced in “Roggusanmaru”, while increased in “Super Doterang” cultivar under Fe deficient conditions. The H⁺-ATPase relative gene expression (SlAHA1) in roots were maintained in “Super Doterang” compared to “Roggusanmaru”. Furthermore, the gene expressions involved in antioxidant defense mechanisms (SlSOD, SlAPX and SlCAT) in leaves and roots showed that these genes were highly increased in “Super Doterang”, whereas decreased in “Roggusanmaru” cultivar under Fe deficiency. The present study suggested that “Super Doterang” is better tomato cultivar than “Roggusanmaru” for calcareous soils.

Photoprotection conferred by changes in photosynthetic protein levels and organization during dehydration of a homoiochlorophyllous resurrection plant

During desiccation, homoiochlorophyllous resurrection plants retain most of their photosynthetic apparatus, allowing them to resume photosynthetic activity quickly upon water availability. These plants rely on various mechanisms to prevent the formation of reactive oxygen species and/or protect their tissues from the damage they inflict. In this work, we addressed the issue of how homoiochlorophyllous resurrection plants deal with the problem of excessive excitation/electron pressures during dehydration using Craterostigma pumilum as a model plant. To investigate the alterations in the supramolecular organization of photosynthetic protein complexes, we examined cryoimmobilized, freeze-fractured leaf tissues using (cryo)scanning electron microscopy. These examinations revealed rearrangements of photosystem II (PSII) complexes, including a lowered density during moderate dehydration, consistent with a lower level of PSII proteins, as shown by biochemical analyses. The latter also showed a considerable decrease in the level of cytochrome f early during dehydration, suggesting that initial regulation of the inhibition of electron transport is achieved via the cytochrome b6f complex. Upon further dehydration, PSII complexes are observed to arrange into rows and semicrystalline arrays, which correlates with the significant accumulation of sucrose and the appearance of inverted hexagonal lipid phases within the membranes. As opposed to PSII and cytochrome f, the light-harvesting antenna complexes of PSII remain stable throughout the course of dehydration. Altogether, these results, along with photosynthetic activity measurements, suggest that the protection of retained photosynthetic components is achieved, at least in part, via the structural rearrangements of PSII and (likely) light-harvesting antenna complexes into a photochemically quenched state.

PSB27: A thylakoid protein enabling Arabidopsis to adapt to changing light intensity

In earlier studies we have identified FKBP20-2 and CYP38 as soluble proteins of the chloroplast thylakoid lumen that are required for the formation of photosystem II supercomplexes (PSII SCs). Subsequent work has identified another potential candidate functional in SC formation (PSB27). We have followed up on this possibility and isolated mutants defective in the PSB27 gene. In addition to lack of PSII SCs, mutant plants were severely stunted when cultivated with light of variable intensity. The stunted growth was associated with lower PSII efficiency and defective starch accumulation. In response to high light exposure, the mutant plants also displayed enhanced ROS production, leading to decreased biosynthesis of anthocyanin. Unexpectedly, we detected a second defect in the mutant, namely in CP26, an antenna protein known to be required for the formation of PSII SCs that has been linked to state transitions. Lack of PSII SCs was found to be independent of PSB27, but was due to a mutation in the previously described cp26 gene that we found had no effect on light adaptation. The present results suggest that PSII SCs, despite being required for state transitions, are not associated with acclimation to changing light intensity. Our results are consistent with the conclusion that PSB27 plays an essential role in enabling plants to adapt to fluctuating light intensity through a mechanism distinct from photosystem II supercomplexes and state transitions.

In vivo spectroscopy and NMR metabolite fingerprinting approaches to connect the dynamics of photosynthetic and metabolic phenotypes in resurrection plant Haberlea rhodopensis during desiccation and recovery

The resurrection plant Haberlea rhodopensis was used to study dynamics of drought response of photosynthetic machinery parallel with changes in primary metabolism. A relation between leaf water content and photosynthetic performance was established, enabling us to perform a non-destructive evaluation of the plant water status during stress. Spectroscopic analysis of photosynthesis indicated that, at variance with linear electron flow (LEF) involving photosystem (PS) I and II, cyclic electron flow around PSI remains active till almost full dry state at the expense of the LEF, due to the changed protein organization of photosynthetic apparatus. We suggest that, this activity could have a photoprotective role and prevent a complete drop in adenosine triphosphate (ATP), in the absence of LEF, to fuel specific energy-dependent processes necessary for the survival of the plant, during the late states of desiccation. The NMR fingerprint shows the significant metabolic changes in several pathways. Due to the declining of LEF accompanied by biosynthetic reactions during desiccation, a reduction of the ATP pool during drought was observed, which was fully and quickly recovered after plants rehydration. We found a decline of valine accompanied by lipid degradation during stress, likely to provide alternative carbon sources for sucrose accumulation at late stages of desiccation. This accumulation, as well as the increased levels of glycerophosphodiesters during drought stress could provide osmoprotection to the cells.