Dissertation
Spatial development of the cytoplasmic compartments for single cell C4 photosynthesis, and mechanisms of tolerance to salinity in Bienertia sinuspersici
Washington State University
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Washington State University
05/2008
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000005796
Abstract
Until recent discovery of single cell C4 (SC-C4) photosynthesis in the family Chenopodiaceae, C4 photosynthesis had been linked to Kranz type leaf anatomy. Anatomical, biochemical and cell biological approaches are being made to characterize SC-C4 photosynthesis in terrestrial plants. Here, these techniques were employed in three chapters to further understanding of the SC-C4. Since all SC-C4 species are found in saline, semi desert areas, the first objective was to study the mechanism of tolerance to salinity. Therefore, synthesis of compatible solutes, and other potential salt resistant mechanisms were discussed relative to biochemistry and physiology. SC-C4 species have one type of chlorenchyma cell (CC), while Kranz types have two types of CC, mesophyll and bundle sheath cells, to run C4 photosynthesis. Instead of having two cells, SC-C4 type has dimorphic chloroplasts in one cell type. One type of chloroplast is located in the peripheral cytoplasm, while the other type is located in a central cytoplasmic compartment. The spatial compartmentation of organelles during leaf development is a critical step for C4 photosynthesis. In the second objective, the positioning of cellular components during development of CC was studied in B.sinuspersici. Various fluorescent dyes targeted to different cellular compartments were used to observe spatial compartmentation of organelles and development of the vacuole which resulted in a model of how the C4 system forms. Using whole cell immunolocalization techniques, I also showed how structures of the cytoskeleton affect the positioning of organelles during the development of CC. In addition, to determine if environmental conditions could alter the structure of CC, different light treatments were performed. B.sinuspersici was chosen for further analyses using genomics and proteomics approaches. To study the gene expression pattern in chlorenchyma cells, a cDNA library was constructed from isolated CC. Two sequencing methods were used, a conventional method and 454 sequencing. In addition, to determining the expression pattern in CC, a Mudpit technique was used. Based on both transcriptomics and proteomics data, we discuss differences between C4 Kranz and SC-C4 species. Combined, these studies contribute to our understanding of the SC-C4 photosynthesis at physiological, developmental, and biochemical levels. Identifying relevant genetic information which governs the novel formation of SC-C4 photosynthesis in B.sinuspersici may be useful in developing strategies to genetically modify certain economically important C3 species to perform C4. This could provide increased tolerance to certain abiotic stresses resulting in higher photosynthesis and increased crop yield in certain environments.
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Details
- Title
- Spatial development of the cytoplasmic compartments for single cell C4 photosynthesis, and mechanisms of tolerance to salinity in Bienertia sinuspersici
- Creators
- Joonho Park
- Contributors
- Gerry Edwards (Chair)Thomas W Okita (Committee Member) - Washington State University, Institute of Biological ChemistryMechthild Tegeder (Committee Member) - Washington State University, School of Biological SciencesMichael Knoblauch (Committee Member) - Washington State University, School of Biological Sciences
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- School of Biological Sciences
- Theses and Dissertations
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University
- Number of pages
- 175
- Identifiers
- 99901055138201842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Dissertation