Phylogenetic trees demonstrate the evolutionary relationship between organisms, but sometimes these relationships are described by inappropriate terminology. In this Viewpoint, McDaniel observes that based on a phylogeny as drawn here, bryophytes (represented by the genus Physcomitrella, aka Physcomitrium) are frequently described as an early-diverging, ancient, or basal lineage in relation to the rest of terrestrial […]
An efficient C4 photosynthetic pathway relies on the coordination between the biochemical carbon concentration mechanism that secures high rates of C4 acid flow into the bundle sheath (BS) and anatomical modifications that minimize CO2 leakage out of the BS cells. Suberin deposition in BS cell walls has been believed to seal BS cells against leakiness of CO2 […]
During its life cycle, a plant experiences many types of abiotic stress including drought. While waiting for the next drops of water, a thirsty plant acclimates by initiating a series of tolerance responses. Stress perception is followed by stress-induced signaling which can include reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, phytohormone activation, gene expression regulation, and kinase/phosphatase […]
Post harvest water loss is one of the major challenges in handling fresh agricultural products, yet its cause and mechanism are not well understood. In terrestrial plants, stomata are the primary regulators of water flux; but when the stomata are closed or in astomatous organs such as tomato fruits, the hydrophobic layer “cuticle” is the […]