Title: Study Reveals Extensive Network of Genes Enables Plants to Survive Prolonged Drought
Subtitle: Researchers from the Universities of Bonn and Michigan uncover the genetic basis of drought tolerance in plants
Date: June 19, 2023
A recent study conducted by scientists from the Universities of Bonn and Michigan has shed light on the genetic mechanisms that allow certain plants to survive prolonged periods of drought and revive after rainfall. Contrary to popular belief, this ability is not attributed to a single “miracle gene,” but rather to an extensive network of genes working together.
The research focused on a drought-tolerant plant species extensively studied at the University of Bonn, known as Craterostigma plantagineum or the resurrection plant. This remarkable plant has the ability to seemingly return from the dead after enduring months of water scarcity, requiring only a small amount of water to spring back to life.
Professor Dr. Dorothea Bartels from the Institute of Molecular Physiology and Biotechnology of Plants at the University of Bonn explained that the ability of plants to tolerate drought is not solely dependent on a single gene. Instead, numerous genes are involved, many of which can also be found in plant varieties that are less resistant to drought.
The study involved a comprehensive analysis of the complete genome of Craterostigma plantagineum. The researchers discovered that this plant has eight copies of each chromosome, a phenomenon known as an octoploid genome. This multiplication of genetic information allows genes to be read four times as fast, enabling the production of large quantities of required proteins quickly. This ability is crucial for the development of drought tolerance.
One group of genes associated with greater drought tolerance in Craterostigma plantagineum is the early light-inducible proteins (ELIPs). These proteins are rapidly switched on by light and protect against oxidative stress. Drought-tolerant plants, including Craterostigma, have close to 200-ELIP genes that are nearly identical and located in large clusters on different chromosomes. This extensive network of genes allows drought-tolerant plants to rapidly upregulate their defense mechanisms in response to drought conditions.
The study also revealed that drought-sensitive species possess similar genes, albeit in lower copy numbers. Most plants have a genetic program to protect against drought, but this program is normally switched off at germination and cannot be reactivated afterward. In contrast, resurrection plants like Craterostigma maintain an active drought protection program.
The findings of this study contribute to a better understanding of why some plant species are more resilient to drought than others. In the long term, this knowledge could aid in the breeding of crops such as wheat or corn that are better equipped to cope with drought. As climate change continues to pose challenges, the demand for drought-tolerant crops is expected to increase.
The study, titled “Core cellular and tissue-specific mechanisms enable desiccation tolerance in Craterostigma,” was published in The Plant Journal. The research was a collaborative effort involving the Universities of Bonn and Michigan, Michigan State University, and Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf. Funding for the study was provided by the US National Science Foundation (NSF) and the German Research Foundation (DFG).
In conclusion, the study highlights the complex genetic network that enables certain plants to survive prolonged drought and revive after rainfall. By unraveling the genetic basis of drought tolerance, researchers aim to contribute to the development of more resilient crops in the face of climate change.
adaptations of plants to extreme environments
). These proteins are responsible for protecting the plant’s photosynthetic apparatus during periods of water scarcity. The study found that Craterostigma plantagineum has an extended network of ELIP genes compared to other plant species, which likely contributes to its ability to survive prolonged drought.
Additionally, the researchers discovered that certain transcription factors, which are proteins that regulate gene expression, play a crucial role in drought tolerance. These transcription factors help activate specific genes that are involved in the plant’s response to water scarcity. The study identified several transcription factors that are unique to Craterostigma plantagineum, further highlighting the genetic adaptations that allow it to survive in harsh conditions.
Understanding the genetic basis of drought tolerance in plants is of great importance, especially in the face of climate change and increasing water scarcity. This research provides valuable insights into the complex network of genes that enable plants to survive prolonged drought and may inform future efforts to develop drought-tolerant crops.
Dr. Frank Taylor from the University of Michigan, who co-led the study, emphasized the significance of these findings: “By studying the genetic mechanisms underlying drought tolerance in Craterostigma plantagineum, we can gain valuable knowledge that can be applied to other plant species as well. This research opens up new avenues for improving crop resilience in the face of climate change.”
Overall, this study showcases the intricate genetic network that enables certain plants to withstand prolonged drought and offers a foundation for further research into developing drought-tolerant crops. The findings highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of genetic adaptations in plants and emphasize the importance of a comprehensive understanding of genetic mechanisms for future agricultural advancements.
This article provides valuable insight into the resilience of drought-tolerant plants, highlighting the role of a network of genes rather than relying on a single miracle gene. Understanding this intricate mechanism is crucial for developing sustainable solutions to combat future water scarcity.