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Species-dependent changes in stomatal sensitivity to abscisic acid mediated by external pH
Ljiljana Prokic1, Zorica Jovanovic, Martin R McAinsh
1Department of Agrochemistry and Plant Physiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Nemanjina 6, Zemun 11080 Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro. ljprokic@agrifaculty.bg.ac.yu
Journal of Experimental Botany
|January 7, 2006
Summary
Plant stomata respond to environmental cues like pH and abscisic acid (ABA). ABA triggers biphasic stomatal closure, with sensitivity varying by plant species and extracellular pH.
Area of Science:
- Plant Physiology
- Plant Molecular Biology
Background:
- Stomatal aperture is crucial for plant gas exchange and water balance.
- Abscisic acid (ABA) is a key plant hormone regulating stomatal closure in response to stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the direct effects of pH and ABA on stomatal aperture in Commelina communis and Arabidopsis thaliana.
- To quantify stomatal responses to varying pH and ABA concentrations using advanced imaging techniques.
Main Methods:
- Epidermal strips of C. communis and A. thaliana were used.
- Stomatal aperture was monitored and quantified using video microscopy and image analysis software.
- Responses to different pH levels (7 and 5) and ABA concentrations (10 microM and 10 nM) were measured.
Main Results:
- Both species showed a biphasic stomatal closure response to ABA: rapid initial closure followed by slower, prolonged closure.
- Stomatal sensitivity to ABA was observed to change over time.
- Differential sensitivity to ABA was noted between C. communis and A. thaliana.
- Extracellular pH influenced stomatal sensitivity to ABA.
Conclusions:
- Stomatal closure is regulated by a complex interplay between ABA and extracellular pH.
- The sensitivity of stomata to ABA is species-specific and modulated by environmental pH.
- Understanding these mechanisms is vital for predicting plant responses to environmental changes.