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Fern and lycophyte guard cells do not respond to endogenous abscisic acid
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 15:46 authored by McAdam, SAM, Timothy BrodribbTimothy BrodribbStomatal guard cells regulate plant photosynthesis and transpiration. Central to the control of seed plant stomatal movement is the phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA); however, differences in the sensitivity of guard cells to this ubiquitous chemical have been reported across land plant lineages. Using a phylogenetic approach to investigate guard cell control, we examined the diversity of stomatal responses to endogenous ABA and leaf water potential during water stress. We show that although all species respond similarly to leaf water deficit in terms of enhanced levels of ABA and closed stomata, the function of fern and lycophyte stomata diverged strongly from seed plant species upon rehydration. When instantaneously rehydrated from a waterstressed state, fern and lycophyte stomata rapidly reopened to predrought levels despite the high levels of endogenous ABA in the leaf. In seed plants under the same conditions, high levels of ABA in the leaf prevented rapid reopening of stomata. We conclude that endogenous ABA synthesized by ferns and lycophytes plays little role in the regulation of transpiration, with stomata passively responsive to leaf water potential. These results support a gradualistic model of stomatal control evolution, offering opportunities for molecular and guard cell biochemical studies to gain further insights into stomatal control.
Funding
Australian Research Council
History
Publication title
Plant CellVolume
24Issue
4Pagination
1510-1521ISSN
1040-4651Department/School
School of Natural SciencesPublisher
Amer Soc Plant BiologistsPlace of publication
15501 Monona Drive, Rockville, USA, Md, 20855Rights statement
Copyright 2012 American Society of Plant BiologistsRepository Status
- Restricted