Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026
11:09
A Simple Protocol for Mapping the Plant Root System Architecture Traits
Published on: February 10, 2023
Differential and functional interactions emphasize the multiple roles of polyamines in plants
Avtar K Handa1, Autar K Mattoo
1Department of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture, Purdue University, W. Lafayette, IN, USA. ahanda@purdue.edu
Plant Physiology and Biochemistry : PPB
|March 16, 2010
Summary
Biogenic amines like putrescine, spermidine, and spermine play distinct roles in plant development. Research in tomato fruit reveals these compounds differentially impact cellular processes, influencing growth and development.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Biogenic amines (putrescine, spermidine, spermine) are vital for cell division and viability.
- Their pharmacological effects on growth and development are well-documented.
- Molecular mechanisms of polyamine action are an emerging area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distinct roles of putrescine, spermidine, and spermine in plant development.
- To explore the molecular and biochemical responses to manipulated polyamine levels in ripening tomato fruit.
- To establish correlations between endogenous polyamine concentrations and cellular parameters.
Main Methods:
- Utilized transgenic tomato fruit as a model system.
- Conducted transcriptome, protein profiling, and metabolome analyses.
- Determined linear correlation coefficients between polyamine levels and various parameters.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that putrescine's effects contrast with those of spermidine and spermine.
- Identified specific cellular processes impacted by polyamine manipulation.
- Revealed differential effects of individual biogenic amines on growth and development.
Conclusions:
- Biogenic amines have defined, individual actions in plant biology.
- Polyamines differentially regulate growth and development processes.
- A multiple function model explains polyamine action in organisms and ripening fruit.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Cell Signaling in Plants
Plant cells communicate to coordinate their cycle of growth, flowering and fruiting, and activities in roots, shoots, and leaves in response to the changing environmental conditions. Plant signaling is distinct from animal signaling. Plants primarily utilize enzyme-linked receptors, whereas the largest class of cell-surface receptors in animals are G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Unlike animals, receptor tyrosine kinases are rare in plants. Instead, plants have a diverse class of...
01:56Plant Hormones
Plant hormones—or phytohormones—are chemical molecules that modulate one or more physiological processes of a plant. In animals, hormones are often produced in specific glands and circulated via the circulatory system. However, plants lack hormone-producing glands.
01:56Plant Hormones
Plant hormones—or phytohormones—are chemical molecules that modulate one or more physiological processes of a plant. In animals, hormones are often produced in specific glands and circulated via the circulatory system. However, plants lack hormone-producing glands.
01:09Microbe-Plant Interactions
Microbe-plant interactions represent a dynamic spectrum of associations shaped by intricate chemical signaling. These interactions can be neutral, beneficial, or detrimental, and profoundly influence plant physiology, growth, and ecosystem function. The plant microbiome, comprising bacteria, fungi, archaea, protists, and viruses, plays a pivotal role in mediating these effects through surface colonization, internal colonization, or systemic symbiosis.Mutualistic associations, particularly with...
02:35Key Elements for Plant Nutrition
Like all living organisms, plants require organic and inorganic nutrients to survive, reproduce, grow and maintain homeostasis. To identify nutrients that are essential for plant functioning, researchers have leveraged a technique called hydroponics. In hydroponic culture systems, plants are grown—without soil—in water-based solutions containing nutrients. At least 17 nutrients have been identified as essential elements required by plants. Plants acquire these elements from the atmosphere, the...
02:12Short-distance Transport of Resources
Short-distance transport refers to transport that occurs over a distance of just 2-3 cells, crossing the plasma membrane in the process. Small uncharged molecules, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water, can diffuse across the plasma membrane on their own. In contrast, ions and larger molecules require the assistance of transport proteins due to their charge or size. Transport across membranes also occurs within individual cells, playing a variety of essential roles for the plant as a whole.