Response of Vicia faba to short-term uranium exposure: chelating and antioxidant system changes in roots

Uranium (U) phytotoxicity is an inherently difficult problem in the phytoremediation of U-contaminated environments. Plant chelating and antioxidant systems play an authoritative role in resistance to abiotic stress. To reveal the toxicity of U, the changes of chelating system, osmoregulatory substances and antioxidant systems in Vicia faba roots were studied after short-term (24 h) U exposure. The results indicated that the development of lateral roots and root activity of V. faba were significantly inhibited with U accumulation. Compared with the control, plant chelating systems showed significant positive effects after U exposure (15 - 25 μM). Osmoregulatory substances (proline and soluble protein) increasingly accumulated in roots with increasing U concentration, and O2- and H2O2 rapidly accumulated after U exposure (15 - 25 μM). Thus, the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation, were also significantly increased. Antioxidant systems were activated after U exposure but were inhibited at higher U concentrations (15 - 25 μM). In summary, although the chelating, osmotic regulation and antioxidant systems in V. faba were activated after short-term U exposure, the antioxidases (CAT, SOD and POD) were inhibited at higher U concentrations (15 - 25 μM). Therefore, the root cells were severely damaged by peroxidation, which eventually resulted in inhibited activity and arrested root development.

Metabolomics of red-light-induced stomatal opening in Arabidopsis thaliana: Coupling with abscisic acid and jasmonic acid metabolism

Environmental stimuli-triggered stomatal movement is a key physiological process that regulates CO₂ uptake and water loss in plants. Stomata are defined by pairs of guard cells that perceive and transduce external signals, leading to cellular volume changes and consequent stomatal aperture change. Within the visible light spectrum, red light induces stomatal opening in intact leaves. However, there has been debate regarding the extent to which red-light-induced stomatal opening arises from direct guard cell sensing of red light versus indirect responses as a result of red light influences on mesophyll photosynthesis. Here we identify conditions that result in red-light-stimulated stomatal opening in isolated epidermal peels and enlargement of protoplasts, firmly establishing a direct guard cell response to red light. We then employ metabolomics workflows utilizing gas chromatography mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry for metabolite profiling and identification of Arabidopsis guard cell metabolic signatures in response to red light in the absence of the mesophyll. We quantified 223 metabolites in Arabidopsis guard cells, with 104 found to be red light responsive. These red-light-modulated metabolites participate in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, carbon balance, phytohormone biosynthesis and redox homeostasis. We next analyzed selected Arabidopsis mutants, and discovered that stomatal opening response to red light is correlated with a decrease in guard cell abscisic acid content and an increase in jasmonic acid content. The red-light-modulated guard cell metabolome reported here provides fundamental information concerning autonomous red light signaling pathways in guard cells.

Rapid modulation of ultraviolet shielding in plants is influenced by solar ultraviolet radiation and linked to alterations in flavonoids

The accumulation of ultraviolet (UV)-absorbing compounds (flavonoids and related phenylpropanoids) and the resultant decrease in epidermal UV transmittance (TUV ) are primary protective mechanisms employed by plants against potentially damaging solar UV radiation and are critical components of the overall acclimation response of plants to changing solar UV environments. Whether plants can adjust this UV sunscreen protection in response to rapid changes in UV, as occurs on a diurnal basis, is largely unexplored. Here, we use a combination of approaches to demonstrate that plants can modulate their UV-screening properties within minutes to hours, and these changes are driven, in part, by UV radiation. For the cultivated species Abelmoschus esculentus, large (30-50%) and reversible changes in TUV occurred on a diurnal basis, and these adjustments were associated with changes in the concentrations of whole-leaf UV-absorbing compounds and several quercetin glycosides. Similar results were found for two other species (Vicia faba and Solanum lycopersicum), but no such changes were detected in Zea mays. These findings reveal a much more dynamic UV-protection mechanism than previously recognized, raise important questions concerning the costs and benefits of UV-protection strategies in plants and have practical implications for employing UV to enhance crop vigor and quality in controlled environments.

Modification of catalase and MAPK in Vicia faba cultivated in soil with high natural radioactivity and treated with a static magnetic field

The effects of a static magnetic field (SMF) and high natural radioactivity (HR) on catalase and MAPK genes in Vicia faba were investigated. Soil samples with high natural radioactivity were collected from Ramsar in north Iran where the annual radiation absorbed dose from background radiation is higher than 20mSv/year. The specific activity of the radionuclides of (232)Th, (236)Ra, and (40)K was measured using gamma spectrometry. The seeds were planted either in the soil with high natural radioactivity or in the control soils and were then exposed to a SMF of 30mT for 8 days; 8h/day. Levels of expression of catalase and MAPK genes, catalase activity and H2O2 content were evaluated. The results demonstrated significant differences in the expression of catalase and MAPK genes in SMF- and HR-treated plants compared to the controls. An increase in catalase activity was accompanied by increased expression of its gene and accumulation of H2O2. Relative expression of the MAPK gene in treated plants, however, was lower than those of the controls. The results suggest that the response of V. faba plants to SMF and HR may be mediated by modification of catalase and MAPK.

Adjustments in epidermal UV-transmittance of leaves in sun-shade transitions

Epidermal UV transmittance (TUV ) and UV-absorbing compounds were measured in sun and shade leaves of Populus tremuloides and Vicia faba exposed to contrasting light environments under field conditions to evaluate UV acclimation potentials and regulatory roles of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and UV in UV-shielding. Within a natural canopy of P. tremuloides, TUV ranged from 4 to 98% and showed a strong nonlinear relationship with mid-day horizontal fluxes of PAR [photon flux density (PFD) = 6-1830 µmol m⁻²  s⁻¹]; similar patterns were found for V. faba leaves that developed under a comparable PFD range. A series of field transfer experiments using neutral-density shade cloth and UV blocking/transmitting films indicated that PAR influenced TUV during leaf development to a greater degree than UV, and shade leaves of both species increased their UV-shielding when exposed to full sun; however, this required the presence of UV, with both UV-A and UV-B required for full acclimation. TUV of sun leaves of both species was largely unresponsive to shade either with or without UV. In most, but not all cases, changes in TUV were associated with alterations in the concentration of whole-leaf UV-absorbing compounds. These results suggest that, (1) moderate-to-high levels of PAR alone during leaf development can induce substantial UV-protection in field-grown plants, (2) mature shade leaves have the potential to adjust their UV-shielding which may reduce the detrimental effects of UV that could occur following sudden exposures to high light and (3) under field conditions, PAR and UV play different roles in regulating UV-shielding during and after leaf development.

Nitric oxide blocks blue light-induced K+ influx by elevating the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration in Vicia faba L. guard cells

Ca(2+) plays a pivotal role in nitric oxide (NO)-promoted stomatal closure. However, the function of Ca(2+) in NO inhibition of blue light (BL)-induced stomatal opening remains largely unknown. Here, we analyzed the role of Ca(2+) in the crosstalk between BL and NO signaling in Vicia faba L. guard cells. Extracellular Ca(2+) modulated the BL-induced stomatal opening in a dose-dependent manner, and an application of 5 μM Ca(2+) in the pipette solution significantly inhibited BL-activated K(+) influx. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a NO donor, showed little effect on BL-induced K(+) influx and stomatal opening response in the absence of extracellular Ca(2+), but K(+) influx and stomatal opening were inhibited by SNP when Ca(2+) was added to the bath solution. Interestingly, although both SNP and BL could activate the plasma membrane Ca(2+) channels and induce the rise of cytosolic Ca(2+), the change in levels of Ca(2+) channel activity and cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration were different between SNP and BL treatments. SNP at 100 μM obviously activated the plasma membrane Ca(2+) channels and induced cytosolic Ca(2+) rise by 102.4%. In contrast, a BL pulse (100 μmol/m(2) per s for 30 s) slightly activated the Ca(2+) channels and resulted in a Ca(2+) rise of only 20.8%. Consistently, cytosolic Ca(2+) promoted K(+) influx at 0.5 μM or below, and significantly inhibited K(+) influx at 5 μM or above. Taken together, our findings indicate that Ca(2+) plays dual and distinctive roles in the crosstalk between BL and NO signaling in guard cells, mediating both the BL-induced K(+) influx as an activator at a lower concentration and the NO-blocked K(+) influx as an inhibitor at a higher concentration.

[Genetic effects of root extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. on different test-systems]

The antimutagenic and geroprotective activities of root extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra have been demonstrated both on plant test systems--Allium fistulosum L., Allium cepa L., Vicia faba L. and on animals--Vistar rats. The possibilities of the mobilization of Glycyrrhiza glabra root extracts as antimutagenic agents are discussed.

Nitric oxide inhibits blue light-induced stomatal opening by regulating the K+ influx in guard cells

Blue light (BL)-induced stomatal opening and nitric oxide (NO)-promoted stomatal closure comprise two main aspects of stomatal regulation. Stomatal movement depends on ion fluxion in guard cells, whereas the physiological roles of BL or NO in regulating ion channel activities remain largely unknown. For gaining further insights into NO function in mediating BL-induced stomatal opening, guard cell protoplasts (GCPs) were patch-clamped in a whole-cell configuration. The results showed that twice BL pulses (100 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ for 30s) effectively activated inward rectifying K⁺ channels by 67% and 20% in Vicia GCPs, respectively. In contrast, Red light (RL) showed little effect on inward rectifying K⁺ channels. In accord with this, BL also increased inward K⁺ currents by 54% in Arabidopsis thaliana wild type gl1, but not in phot1-5 phot2-1 (BL receptor phototropin deletion mutant). Sodium nitroprusside (SNP, a NO donor), at 100 μM, inhibited BL-dependent K⁺ influx and stomatal opening, which were abolished by c-PTIO (a specific NO scavenger). These results indicated that NO inhibits BL-induced stomatal opening maybe through restricting the K⁺ influx across plasma membrane in guard cells.

Factors influencing diamine oxidase activity and γ-aminobutyric acid content of fava bean (Vicia faba L.) during germination

Factors (germination time, spectra, temperature, pH, and chemical inhibitors) influencing diamine oxidase (DAO, EC 1.4.3.6) activity and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content of fava bean (Vicia faba L.) during germination were investigated in this study. DAO activity significantly increased in germinating seeds but varied with different organs. The enzyme activity was higher in shoot than that in cotyledon, hypocotyl, and radicle. When seeds were germinated in the dark, DAO activity was 2.35-, 2.00-, 2.36-, 4.40-, and 1.67-fold of that under white, red, blue, green, and yellow spectra, respectively. The optimum germination temperature and pH value for increasing DAO activity were 30 °C and 3.0, respectively. The DAO activity was inhibited significantly by aminoguanidine and sodium ethylenediamine tetracetate, while it was activated by CuCl(2) and CaCl(2). Germinating at an appropriate temperature and pH, 30% of GABA formation was supplied by DAO. Calcium was related to the regulation of DAO activity and GABA accumulation.

Ethylene mediates UV-B-induced stomatal closure via peroxidase-dependent hydrogen peroxide synthesis in Vicia faba L

Ultraviolet B (UV-B) radiation is an important environmental signal for plant growth and development, but its signal transduction mechanism is unclear. UV-B is known to induce stomatal closure via hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), and to affect ethylene biosynthesis. As ethylene is also known to induce stomatal closure via H(2)O(2) generation, the possibility of UV-B-induced stomatal closure via ethylene-mediated H(2)O(2) generation was investigated in Vicia faba by epidermal strip bioassay, laser-scanning confocal microscopy, and assays of ethylene production. It was found that H(2)O(2) production in guard cells and subsequent stomatal closure induced by UV-B radiation were inhibited by interfering with ethylene biosynthesis as well as ethylene signalling, suggesting that ethylene is epistatic to UV-B radiation in stomatal movement. Ethylene production preceded H(2)O(2) production upon UV-B radiation, while exogenous ethylene induced H(2)O(2) production in guard cells and subsequent stomatal closure, further supporting the conclusion. Inhibitors for peroxidase but not for NADPH oxidase abolished H(2)O(2) production upon UV-B radiation in guard cells, suggesting that peroxidase is the source of UV-B-induced H(2)O(2) production. Taken together, our results strongly support the idea that ethylene mediates UV-B-induced stomatal closure via peroxidase-dependent H(2)O(2) generation.

An enhancing effect of visible light and UV radiation on phenolic compounds and various antioxidants in broad bean seedlings

Exposure of dark- or ambient visible light-grown broad bean seedlings to low (LL) and high (HL) visible light intensities, UV-A or UV-C, either alone or in combination, induced significant increases in total phenolic compounds as well as in anthocyanins content, throughout the germination period, as compared with the respective levels in control seedlings. In general, as compared with control levels, exposure of both dark- or light-grown broad bean seedlings to LL, HL, UV-A or UV-C, induced significant increases in the contents of non-enzymatic antioxidants (total ascorbate; ASA-DASA and total glutathione; GSSG-GSH) and enzymatic antioxidant activities (superoxide dismutase; SOD, catalase; CAT, ascorbate peroxidase; APO and glutathione reductase; GR). The obtained results are discussed in relation to induced mechanisms of protection and repair from the inevitable exposure to damaging visible light and UV-radiation.

Photosynthesis in lightfleck areas of homobaric and heterobaric leaves

Leaves within a canopy are exposed to a spatially and temporally fluctuating light environment which may cause lateral gradients in leaf internal CO(2) concentration and diffusion between shaded and illuminated areas. In previous studies it was hypothesized that lateral CO(2) diffusion may support leaf photosynthesis, but the magnitude of this effect is still not well understood. In the present study homobaric leaves of Vicia faba or heterobaric leaves of Glycine max were illuminated with lightflecks of different sizes, mimicking sunflecks. Photosynthetic properties of the lightfleck areas were assessed with combined gas exchange measurements and chlorophyll fluorescence imaging. Lateral diffusion in homobaric leaves with an interconnected intercellular air space stimulated photosynthesis and the effect was largest in small lightfleck areas, in particular when plants were under drought stress. Such effects were not observed in the heterobaric leaves with strongly compartmented intercellular gas spaces. It is concluded that lateral diffusion may significantly contribute to photosynthesis of lightfleck areas of homobaric leaves depending on lightfleck size, lateral diffusivity, and stomatal conductance. Since homobaric leaf structures have been reported for many plant species, it is hypothesized that leaf homobary may have an impact on overall plant performance under conditions with a highly heterogeneous light environment.

The role of the mesophyll in stomatal responses to light and CO2

Stomatal responses to light and CO(2) were investigated using isolated epidermes of Tradescantia pallida, Vicia faba and Pisum sativum. Stomata in leaves of T. pallida and P. sativum responded to light and CO(2), but those from V. faba did not. Stomata in isolated epidermes of all three species could be opened on KCl solutions, but they showed no response to light or CO(2). However, when isolated epidermes of T. pallida and P. sativum were placed on an exposed mesophyll from a leaf of the same species or a different species, they regained responsiveness to light and CO(2). Stomatal responses in these epidermes were similar to those in leaves in that they responded rapidly and reversibly to changes in light and CO(2). Epidermes from V. faba did not respond to light or CO(2) when placed on mesophyll from any of the three species. Experiments with single optic fibres suggest that stomata were being regulated via signals from the mesophyll produced in response to light and CO(2) rather than being sensitized to light and CO(2) by the mesophyll. The data suggest that most of the stomatal response to CO(2) and light occurs in response to a signal generated by the mesophyll.

Non-photochemical loss in PSII in high- and low-light-grown leaves of Vicia faba quantified by several fluorescence parameters including L(NP), F0/F'm, a novel parameter

Using the expression of fluorescence originated from the PSII open reaction center in the light by Oxborough and Baker (1997), we obtained a formula that expresses relationships between the quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry in the dark (Phi(m)= F(v)/F(m)) and in the light Phi'(m)=F'(v)/F'(m):Phi'(m)=Phi(m)+L(NP), where L(NP)(=F(0)/F'(m)) denotes the quantum yield of light induced non-photochemical losses (heat dissipation and fluorescence de-excitation) in PSII. Using L(NP) and other conventional fluorescence parameters, we conducted quenching analyses with leaves of broad bean plants (Vicia faba L.) grown at 700 (high light; HL) and 80 mumol photons m(-2) s(-1) (low light; LL). We also examined whether behavior of q(0) quenching (q(0)=1-F'(0)/F(0)) is related to the reaction center quenching. When the actinic light (AL) was strong, Stern-Volmer quenching [NPQ=(F(m)-F'(m))/F'(m)] and L(NP) increased rapidly and then decreased slowly in HL leaves, while, in LL leaves, they increased slowly. It is probable that rapid formation of a large proton gradient was responsible for sharp rises in both parameters in HL leaves. The steady-state 'excess' parameter [Phi(Ex)= (1 - qP) Phi(m)/(Phi(m)+ L(NP))], fraction of energy migrating to closed PSII centers, increased with the photon flux density of AL in LL leaves. In contrast, in HL leaves, Phi(Ex) did not increase markedly. The examination of the relationship between Phi(Ex) and L(NP) obtained at various AL revealed that in LL leaves the increase in (1 - qP) with the increase in AL prevailed, while, in HL leaves, the increase in L(NP) suppressed the increase in (1 - qP). Using the difference between L(NP) and L(D) (Phi(ND)= L(NP)- L(D), where L(D)= F(0)/F(m)), q(0) and qN (=1-F'(v)/F(v)) were calculated without using measured F'(0). The relationships between q(0) and qN thus obtained for various AL levels were almost identical for both HL and LL leaves, implying no difference in the fluorescence origin between the HL and LL leaves. Usefulness of these equations expressing non-photochemical loss is discussed.

Diurnal changes in epidermal UV transmittance of plants in naturally high UV environments

Studies were conducted on three herbaceous plant species growing in naturally high solar UV environments in the subalpine of Mauna Kea, Hawaii, USA, to determine if diurnal changes in epidermal UV transmittance (T(UV)) occur in these species, and to test whether manipulation of the solar radiation regime could alter these diurnal patterns. Additional field studies were conducted at Logan, Utah, USA, to determine if solar UV was causing diurnal T(UV) changes and to evaluate the relationship between diurnal changes in T(UV) and UV-absorbing pigments. Under clear skies, T(UV), as measured with a UV-A-pulse amplitude modulation fluorometer for leaves of Verbascum thapsus and Oenothera stricta growing in native soils and Vicia faba growing in pots, was highest at predawn and sunset and lowest at midday. These patterns in T(UV) closely tracked diurnal changes in solar radiation and were the result of correlated changes in fluorescence induced by UV-A and blue radiation but not photochemical efficiency (F(v)/F(m)) or initial fluorescence yield (F(o)). The magnitude of the midday reduction in T(UV) was greater for young leaves than for older leaves of Verbascum. Imposition of artificial shade eliminated the diurnal changes in T(UV) in Verbascum, but reduction in solar UV had no effect on diurnal T(UV) changes in Vicia. In Vicia, the diurnal changes in T(UV) occurred without detectable changes in the concentration of whole-leaf UV-absorbing compounds. Results suggest that plants actively control diurnal changes in UV shielding, and these changes occur in response to signals other than solar UV; however, the underlying mechanisms responsible for rapid changes in T(UV) remain unclear.

Gas exchange and photosynthetic water use efficiency in response to light, CO2 concentration and temperature in Vicia faba

Light and temperature-response curves and their resulting coefficients, obtained within ecophysiological characterization of gas exchanges at the leaf level, may represent useful criteria for breeding and cultivar selection and required tools for simulation models aimed at the prediction of potential plant behaviour in response to environmental conditions. Leaf-scale gas exchanges, by means of an IRGA open-flow system, were measured in response to light intensity (8 levels from 0 up to 2000 micromol m(-2) s(-1)), CO(2) concentrations (ambient-350 micromol mol(-1) and short-term enriched-700 micromol mol(-1)) and air temperature (from 7 up to 35 degrees C) on three Vicia faba L. genotypes, each representing one of the three cultivated groups: major, equina and minor. The net assimilation rate response to light intensity was well described by an exponential rise to max function. The short-term CO(2) enrichment markedly increased the values of light response curve parameters such as maximum photosynthetic rate (+80%), light saturation point (+40%) and quantum yield (+30%), while less homogenous behaviour was reported for dark respiration and light compensation point. For each light intensity level, the major and minor genotypes studied showed assimilation rates at least a 30% higher than equina. The positive effects of short-term CO(2) enrichment on photosynthetic water use efficiency (WUE) indicate a relevant advantage in doubling CO(2) concentration. In the major and minor genotypes studied, similar assimilation rates, but different WUE were observed. The optimum leaf temperature for assimilation process, calculated through a polynomial function, was 26-27 degrees C and no relevant limitations were observed in the range between 21 and 32 degrees C. Analysis at the single leaf level provided both rapid information on the variations in gas exchange in response to environmental factors and selection criteria for the screening of genotypes.

The Arabidopsis small G protein ROP2 is activated by light in guard cells and inhibits light-induced stomatal opening

ROP small G proteins function as molecular switches in diverse signaling processes. Here, we investigated signals that activate ROP2 in guard cells. In guard cells of Vicia faba expressing Arabidopsis thaliana constitutively active (CA) ROP2 fused to red fluorescent protein (RFP-CA-ROP2), fluorescence localized exclusively at the plasma membrane, whereas a dominant negative version of RFP-ROP2 (DN-ROP2) localized in the cytoplasm. In guard cells expressing green fluorescent protein-ROP2, the relative fluorescence intensity at the plasma membrane increased upon illumination, suggesting that light activates ROP2. Unlike previously reported light-activated factors, light-activated ROP2 inhibits rather than accelerates light-induced stomatal opening; stomata bordered by guard cells transformed with CA-rop2 opened less than controls upon light irradiation. When introduced into guard cells together with CA-ROP2, At RhoGDI1, which encodes a guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor, inhibited plasma membrane localization of CA-ROP2 and abolished the inhibitory effect of CA-ROP2 on light-induced stomatal opening, supporting the negative effect of active ROP2 on stomatal opening. Mutant rop2 Arabidopsis guard cells showed phenotypes similar to those of transformed V. faba guard cells; CA-rop2 stomata opened more slowly and to a lesser extent, and DN-rop2 stomata opened faster than wild-type stomata in response to light. Moreover, in rop2 knockout plants, stomata opened faster and to a greater extent than wild-type stomata in response to light. Thus, ROP2 is a light-activated negative factor that attenuates the extent of light-induced changes in stomatal aperture. The inhibition of light-induced stomatal opening by light-activated ROP2 suggests the existence of feedback regulatory mechanisms through which stomatal apertures may be finely controlled.

[Exploring the observation methods of photosynthetic responses to light and carbon dioxide]

Through observing the responses of photosynthesis in leaves of broad bean grown under natural conditions to light and CO(2) using a portable photosynthetic analyzer LI-6400, the following findings were obtained. (1) Observing the response of photosynthesis to light using a leaf without being induced by light might lead to an artifact that photosynthesis was not saturated even under full sunlight. (2) The calculated saturating light intensity of photosynthesis by some empirical equations was much lower than actual value obtained by observing. (3) During observation of photosynthetic response to CO(2), each step of changing CO(2) concentration should be accompanied by a match step of the photosynthetic analyzer, otherwise, there will be substantial deviations in the results obtained. (4) Observing photosynthetic response to CO(2) at non-saturating light might lead to an underestimation of leaf photosynthetic capacity.

Protein phosphatase 1 positively regulates stomatal opening in response to blue light in Vicia faba

Phototropins, plant blue light receptors, mediate stomatal opening through the activation of the plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase by unknown mechanisms. Here we report that type 1 protein phosphatase (PP1) positively regulates the blue light signaling between phototropins and the H(+)-ATPase in guard cells of Vicia faba. We cloned the four catalytic subunits of PP1 (PP1c) from guard cells and determined the expression of the isoforms in various tissues. Transformation of Vicia guard cells with PP1c isoforms that had lost enzymatic activity by one amino acid mutation, or with human inhibitor-2, a specific inhibitor protein of PP1c, suppressed blue light-induced stomatal opening. Addition of fusicoccin, an activator of the plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase, to these transformed guard cells induced normal stomatal opening, suggesting that the transformations did not affect the basic mechanisms for stomatal opening. Tautomycin, an inhibitor of PP1, inhibited blue light-induced H(+) pumping, phosphorylation of the plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase in guard cell protoplasts, and stomatal opening. However, tautomycin did not inhibit the blue light-dependent phosphorylation of phototropins. We conclude that PP1 functions downstream of phototropins and upstream of the H(+)-ATPase in the blue light signaling pathway of guard cells.

Guard cells in albino leaf patches do not respond to photosynthetically active radiation, but are sensitive to blue light, CO2 and abscisic acid

Stomatal openings can be stimulated by light through two signalling pathways. The first pathway is blue light specific and involves phototropins, while the second pathway mediates a response to photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). This second pathway was studied with the use of albino Vicia faba plants and variegated leaves of Chlorophytum comosum. Treatment of V. faba with norflurazon (Nf) inhibits the synthesis of carotenoids and leads to albino leaves with guard cells that lack functional green chloroplasts. Guard cells in albino leaf patches of C. comosum, however, do contain photosynthetically active chloroplasts. Stomata in albino leaf patches of both plants did not respond to red light, although blue light could still induce stomatal opening. This shows that the response to PAR is not functioning in albino leaf patches, even though guard cells of C. comosum harbour chloroplasts. Stomata of Nf-treated plants still responded to CO2 and abscisic acid (ABA). The size of Nf-treated guard cells was increased, but impalement studies with double-barrelled microelectrodes revealed no changes in ion-transport properties at the plasma membrane of guard cells. Blue light could hyperpolarize albino guard cells by triggering outward currents with peak values of 37 pA in albino plants and 51 pA in green control cells. Because of the inhibition of carotenoid biosynthesis, Nf-treated V. faba plants contained only 4% of the ABA content found in green control plants. The ABA dose dependence of anion channel activation in guard cells was shifted in these plants, causing a reduced response to 10 microM ABA. These data show that despite the dramatic changes in physiology caused by Nf, the gross responsiveness of guard cells to blue light, CO2 and ABA remains unaltered. Stomata in albino leaf patches, however, do not respond to PAR, but require photosynthetically active mesophyll cells for this response.

Joint effects of microwave and chromium trioxide on root tip cells of Vicia faba

The mutagenic effects of microwave and chromium trioxide (CrO(3)) on Vicia faba root tip were studied. Micronucleus assay and chromosomal aberration assay were used to determine the mitotic index, the micronucleus frequency and chromosomal aberration frequency of Vicia faba root tip cells induced by microwave and CrO(3). The results showed that the micronucleus frequency decreased, and that the mitotic index and chromosomal aberration frequency showed linear dose responses to CrO(3), in treatment of microwave for 5 s. In microwave of 25 s, the mitotic index decreased, the micronucleus frequency and chromosomal aberration frequency increased with increase of CrO(3) concentration. We concluded that microwave and CrO(3) had antagonistic effect on the mitotic index of Vicia faba root tip cells, but had synergetic effect on micronucleus frequency and chromosomal aberration frequency of Vicia faba root tip cells.

Distinct Roles of the Cytochrome Pathway and Alternative Oxidase in Leaf Photosynthesis

In illuminated leaves, mitochondria are thought to play roles in optimizing photosynthesis. However, the roles of the cytochrome pathway (CP) and alternative oxidase (AOX) in photosynthesis, in particular in the redox state of the photosynthetic electron transport chain, are not separately characterized. We examined the effects of specific inhibition of two respiratory pathways, CP and AOX, on photosynthetic oxygen evolution and the redox state of the photosynthetic electron transport chain in broad bean (Vicia faba L.) leaves under various light intensities. Under saturating photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD; 700 micromol photon m(-2) s(-1)), inhibition of either pathway caused a decrease in the steady-state levels of the photosynthetic O(2) evolution rate and the PSII operating efficiency, Phi(II). Because these inhibitors, at the concentrations applied to the leaves, had little effect on photosynthesis in the intact chloroplasts, two respiratory pathways are essential for maintenance of high photosynthetic rates at saturating PPFD. CP or AOX inhibition affected to Chl fluorescence parameters (e.g. photochemical quenching and non-photochemical quenching) differently, suggesting that CP and AOX contribute to photosynthesis in different ways. At low PPFD (100 micromol photon m(-2) s(-1)), only the inhibition of AOX, not CP, lowered the photosynthetic rate and Phi(II). AOX inhibition also decreased the Phi(II)/Phi(I) ratio even at low PPFD levels. These data suggest that AOX inhibition caused the over-reduction of the photosynthetic electron transport chain and induced the cyclic electron flow around PSI (CEF-PSI) even at the low PPFD. Based on these results, we discuss possible roles for CP and AOX in the light.

Effects of magnesium availability on the activity of plasma membrane ion transporters and light-induced responses from broad bean leaf mesophyll

Considering the physiological significance of Mg homeostasis in plants, surprisingly little is known about the molecular and ionic mechanisms mediating Mg transport across the plasma membrane and the impact of Mg availability on transport processes at the plasmalemma. In this study, a non-invasive ion-selective microelectrode technique (MIFE) was used to characterize the effects of Mg availability on the activity of plasma membrane H+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ transporters in the mesophyll cells of broad bean (Vicia faba L.) plants. Based on the stoichiometry of ion-flux changes and results of pharmacological experiments, we suggest that at least two mechanisms are involved in Mg2+ uptake across the plasma membrane of bean mesophyll cells. One of them is a non-selective cation channel, also permeable to K+ and Ca2+. The other mechanism, operating at concentrations below 30 microM, was speculated to be an H+/Mg+ exchanger. Experiments performed on leaves grown at different levels of Mg availability (from deficient to excessive) showed that Mg availability has a significant impact on the activity of plasma-membrane transporters for Ca2+, K+, and H+. We discuss the physiological significance of Mg-induced changes in leaf electrophysiological responses to light and the ionic mechanisms underlying this process.

The Blue Light-Specific Response of Vicia faba Stomata Acclimates to Growth Environment

Stomata in epidermal strips from growth chamber-grown Vicia faba leaves opened less in response to white light than did stomata from greenhouse-grown leaves. Chlorophyll-mediated, red light-stimulated opening was similar in stomata from the two growth conditions, but stomata from the growth chamber environment had a severely reduced response to blue light. Transfer of plants between the two growth conditions resulted in an acclimation of the stomatal blue light response. Stomata lost blue light sensitivity within 1 d of transfer to growth chamber conditions and gained sensitivity to blue light over an 8 d period after transfer to a greenhouse. Short-term transfer experiments confirmed that the rapid loss of blue light sensitivity was an acclimation response, requiring between 12 and 20 h exposure to growth chamber conditions. The acclimation of the stomatal response to blue light was inversely related to a previously reported acclimation response in which stomata change between high CO2 sensitivity under growth chamber conditions and low CO2 sensitivity under greenhouse conditions. The time courses of the blue light and CO2 acclimation responses were virtually identical, suggesting the possibility of a common acclimation mechanism.

Study of temperature influence on electron transport in higher plants via delayed luminescence method: experiment, theory

The temperature dependence of steady-state millisecond delayed luminescence (DL) is studied within the temperature range from -23 to 45 degrees C in leaf segments of chinese rose (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.) and bean (Ficia faba). To describe the experimental dependence of DL steady-state intensity on temperature theoretically, we suggest the temperature dependences of rate constants in earlier proposed model of photosynthesis. Under these conditions, the temperature dependence of DL steady-state value has the same form as experimental curve.

[Antimutagenic activity of plant extracts from Armoracia rusticana, Ficus carica and Zea mays and peroxidase in eukaryotic cells]

Antimutagene activity and high efficiency of antimutagene action of plant extracts from horseradish roots (Armoracia rusticana), fig brunches (Ficus carica) and mays seedlings (Zea mays) and their ability to decrease the frequency of spontaneous and induced by gamma-rays chromosome aberrations in meristematic cells of Vicia faba and marrow cells of mice have been shown. Comparative assessment of genoprotective properties of peroxidase and the studied extracts has revealed higher efficiency of antimutagene action of peroxidase.

Blue-light- and phosphorylation-dependent binding of a 14-3-3 protein to phototropins in stomatal guard cells of broad bean

Phototropins are blue-light (BL) receptor serine (Ser)/threonine kinases, and contain two light, oxygen, and voltage (LOV) domains, and are members of the PAS domain superfamily. They mediate phototropism, chloroplast movement, leaf expansion, and stomatal opening of higher plants in response to BL. In stomatal guard cells, genetic analysis has revealed that phototropins mediate activation of the plasma membrane H+-ATPase by phosphorylation and drive stomatal opening. However, biochemical evidence for the involvement of phototropins in the BL response of stomata is lacking. Using guard cell protoplasts, we showed that broad bean (Vicia faba) phototropins (Vfphots) were phosphorylated by BL, and that this phosphorylation of Vfphots reached to the maximum level earlier than that of the H+-ATPase. Phosphorylation of both Vfphots and H+-ATPase showed similar sensitivity to BL and were similarly suppressed by protein kinase and flavoprotein inhibitors. We found that a 14-3-3 protein was bound to Vfphots upon phosphorylation, and this binding occurred earlier than the H+-ATPase phosphorylation. Vfphots (Vfphot1a and Vfphot1b) were expressed in Escherichia coli, and phosphorylation sites were determined to be Ser-358 for Vfphot1a and Ser-344 for Vfphot1b, which are localized between LOV1 and LOV2. We conclude that Vfphots act as BL receptors in guard cells and that phosphorylation of a Ser residue between LOV1 and LOV2 and subsequent 14-3-3 protein binding are likely to be key steps of BL response in stomata. The binding of a 14-3-3 protein to Vfphot was found in etiolated seedlings and leaves in response to BL, suggesting that this event was common to phototropin-mediated responses.

Energy status and its control on embryogenesis of legumes. Embryo photosynthesis contributes to oxygen supply and is coupled to biosynthetic fluxes

Legume seeds are heterotrophic and dependent on mitochondrial respiration. Due to the limited diffusional gas exchange, embryos grow in an environment of low oxygen. O(2) levels within embryo tissues were measured using microsensors and are lowest in early stages and during night, up to 0.4% of atmospheric O(2) concentration (1.1 micro M). Embryo respiration was more strongly inhibited by low O(2) during earlier than later stages. ATP content and adenylate energy charge were lowest in young embryos, whereas ethanol emission and alcohol dehydrogenase activity were high, indicating restricted ATP synthesis and fermentative metabolism. In vitro and in vivo experiments further revealed that embryo metabolism is O(2) limited. During maturation, ATP levels increased and fermentative metabolism disappeared. This indicates that embryos become adapted to the low O(2) and can adjust its energy state on a higher level. Embryos become green and photosynthetically active during differentiation. Photosynthetic O(2) production elevated the internal level up to approximately 50% of atmospheric O(2) concentration (135 micro M). Upon light conditions, embryos partitioned approximately 3-fold more [(14)C]sucrose into starch. The light-dependent increase of starch synthesis was developmentally regulated. However, steady-state levels of nucleotides, free amino acids, sugars, and glycolytic intermediates did not change upon light or dark conditions. Maturing embryos responded to low O(2) supply by adjusting metabolic fluxes rather than the steady-state levels of metabolites. We conclude that embryogenic photosynthesis increases biosynthetic fluxes probably by providing O(2) and energy that is readily used for biosynthesis and respiration.

Estimation of the biological danger of the very high energy component of space radiation

In modelling the action of the high energy component of space radiation in a space ship, the secondary radiation resulting from the interaction of 76 GeV protons with a target was used. The radiation flow consisted of neutrons, mesons of different kinds and charges, protons and gamma-quanta of wide energy spectrum. We studied the influence of radiation on the survival of E. coli B and T4Br+ bacteriophage, on the growth, dry weight and survival of Vicia faba, on the frequency of chromosome aberrations, and number of cells with abnormal mitoses, on the rate of post-irradiation recovery according to these characteristics, and also on the yield of the r-mutants of T4Br+ bacteriophage, their distribution and biochemical identification. The probability of strong interactions with intra-nuclear cascade processes was minor. Their action on the background of the main mass of radiation with an RBE of less than 1 could be considerably masked. Nevertheless, the RBE of combined secondary radiation was sufficiently greater than 137Cs radiation; from approximate curves, it was from 1.2 to 4.0 times as great and in single experimental points it was more than 5. The spectrum of mutation was also different.

Peculiarities of biological action of hadrons of space radiation

Biological investigations in space enable one to make a significant contribution on high-energy hadrons to biological effects under the influence of factors of space flights. Physical and molecular principles of the action of high-energy hadrons are analysed. Genetic and somatic hadron effects produced by the secondary radiation from 70 GeV protons have been studied experimentally. The high biological effectiveness of hadrons, great variability in biological effects, and specifically of their action, are associated with strong interactions of high-energy hadrons. These are the probability of nuclear interaction with any atom nucleus, generation of a great number of secondary particles (among them, probably, highly effective multicharged and heavy nuclei, antiprotons, pi(-)-mesons), and the spatial distribution of secondary particles as a narrow cone with extremely high density of particles in its first part. The secondary radiation generated by high- and superhigh-energy hadrons upon their interaction with the spaceship is likely to be the greatest hazard of radiation to the crew during space flights.

Parallel recordings of photosynthetic electron transport and K+-channel activity in single guard cells

Stomata open in response to red and blue light. Red light-induced stomatal movement is mediated by guard cell chloroplasts and related to K+-uptake into these motor cells. We have combined a new type of microchlorophyll fluorometer with the patch-clamp technique for parallel studies of the photosynthetic electron transport and activity of plasma membrane K+ channels in single guard cell protoplast. In the whole-cell configuration and presence of ATP in the patch-pipette, the activity of the K+-uptake channels remained constant throughout the course of an experiment (up to 30 min) while photosynthetic activity declined to about 50%. In the absence of ATP inward K+ currents declined in a time-dependent manner. Under these ATP-free conditions, photosynthetic electron transport was completely blocked within 8 min. ADP together with orthophosphate was able to prevent inhibition of photosynthetic electron transport and run-down of K+-channel activity. The results demonstrate that the combination of these two techniques is suited to directly study cytosolic factors as common regulators of photosynthesis and plasma membrane transport within a single-cell.

Specific binding of vf14-3-3a isoform to the plasma membrane H+-ATPase in response to blue light and fusicoccin in guard cells of broad bean

The plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase is activated by blue light with concomitant binding of the 14-3-3 protein to the C terminus in guard cells. Because several isoforms of the 14-3-3 protein are expressed in plants, we determined which isoform(s) bound to the H(+)-ATPase in vivo. Four cDNA clones (vf14-3-3a, vf14-3-3b, vf14-3-3c, and vf14-3-3d) encoding 14-3-3 proteins were isolated from broad bean (Vicia faba) guard cells. Northern analysis revealed that mRNAs encoding vf14-3-3a and vf14-3-3b proteins were expressed predominantly in guard cells. The 14-3-3 protein that bound to the H(+)-ATPase in guard cells had the same molecular mass as the recombinant vf14-3-3a protein. The H(+)-ATPase immunoprecipitated from mesophyll cell protoplasts, which had been stimulated by fusicoccin, coprecipitated with the 32.5-kD 14-3-3 protein, although three 14-3-3 isoproteins were found in mesophyll cell protoplasts. Digestions of the bound 14-3-3 protein and recombinant vf14-3-3a with cyanogen bromide gave the identical migration profiles on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, but that of vf14-3-3b gave a different profile. Mass profiling of trypsin-digested 14-3-3 protein bound to the H(+)-ATPase gave the predicted peptide masses of vf14-3-3a. Far western analysis revealed that the H(+)-ATPase had a higher affinity for vf14-3-3a than for vf14-3-3b. These results suggest that the 14-3-3 protein that bound to the plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase in vivo is vf14-3-3a and that it may play a key role in the activation of H(+)-ATPase in guard cells.

Apparent absence of a redox requirement for blue light activation of pump current in broad bean guard cells

In guard cells, membrane hyperpolarization in response to a blue light (BL) stimulus is achieved by the activation of a plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase. Using the patch clamp technique on broad bean (Vicia faba) guard cells we demonstrate that both steady-state- and BL-induced pump currents require ATP and are blocked by vanadate perfused into the guard cell during patch clamp recording. Background-pump current and BL-activated currents are voltage independent over a wide range of membrane potentials. During BL-activated responses significant hyperpolarization is achieved that is sufficient to promote K(+) uptake. BL activation of pump current becomes desensitized by three or four pulses of 30 s x 100 micromol m(-2) s(-1) BL. This desensitization is not a result of pump inhibition as maximal responses to fusicoccin are observed after full BL desensitization. BL treatments prior to whole cell recording show that BL desensitization is not due to washout of a secondary messenger by whole cell perfusion, but appears to be an important feature of the BL-stimulated pump response. We found no evidence for an electrogenic BL-stimulated redox chain in the plasma membrane of guard cells as no steady-state- or BL-activated currents are detected with NADH or NADPH added to the cytosol in the absence of ATP. Steady-state- nor BL-activated currents are affected by the inclusion along with ATP of 1 mM NADH in the pipette under saturating red light or by including NADPH in the pipette under darkness or saturating red light. These data suggest that reduced products of photosynthesis do not significantly modulate plasma membrane pump currents and are unlikely to be critical regulators in BL-stimulation of the plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase in guard cells.