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Published on: June 20, 2019
Xylem cell death: emerging understanding of regulation and function
Benjamin Bollhöner1, Jakob Prestele, Hannele Tuominen
1Umeå Plant Science Centre, Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå University, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden.
Journal of Experimental Botany
|January 4, 2012
Summary
Vascular plant xylem development involves programmed cell death, crucial for water transport and mechanical support. This review details the coordinated regulation of cell death and secondary wall formation during xylem maturation.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Vascular development in plants is linked to an ancient cell death program.
- Secondary wall formation evolved later, providing mechanical support for water transport.
- Xylem maturation involves coordinated secondary wall formation, cell death, and autolysis regulated by NAC transcription factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the intricate process of xylem cell death during plant vascular development.
- To elucidate the mechanisms coupling cell death with secondary wall formation.
- To explore variations in xylem cell death pathways across different cell types.
Main Methods:
- Review of evolutionary and genetic evidence.
- Analysis of molecular regulation by NAC domain transcription factors.
- Description of cell morphology and physiological factors.
Main Results:
- Xylem cell death is an integral part of xylem maturation, making it difficult to separate from secondary wall formation.
- Components for cell death are produced early, with inhibition mechanisms in place.
- Vacuolar bursting triggers hydrolysis, but pathways differ between tracheary elements and xylem fibers.
Conclusions:
- Xylem cell death is a tightly regulated, essential component of vascular plant development.
- Understanding these pathways is key to comprehending water transport efficiency and plant evolution.
- Variations in cell death cascades highlight cell-type-specific adaptations in xylem structure and function.
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