Dynamic changes of the ethylene biosynthesis in 'Jonagold' apple
Inge Bulens1, Bram Van de Poel, Maarten L A T M Hertog
1Division of Mechatronics, Biostatistics and Sensors (MeBioS), Department of Biosystems (BIOSYST), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, bus 2428, B-3001, Leuven, Belgium.
Physiologia Plantarum
|August 21, 2013
Summary
Controlled atmosphere storage impacts apple ethylene production. Systems biology revealed ethylene biosynthesis changes, with ACS1 and ACO1 playing key roles in response to chilling and shelf life.
Area of Science:
- Plant Physiology
- Postharvest Biology
- Systems Biology
Background:
- Ethylene biosynthesis is crucial for fruit ripening and senescence.
- Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage modifies the storage environment to extend fruit shelf life.
- Understanding dynamic ethylene changes under CA is vital for optimizing storage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify short-term and dynamic changes in Jonagold apple ethylene biosynthesis during and after CA storage.
- To differentiate ethylene-mediated from ethylene-independent responses to CA conditions.
- To elucidate the regulatory roles of ethylene biosynthesis genes and enzymes.
Main Methods:
- Systems biology approach integrating online photoacoustic ethylene measurements and discrete destructive sampling.
- Analysis of transcriptional, translational, and metabolic changes.
- Application of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) as an ethylene inhibitor.
Main Results:
- Online ethylene measurements captured rapid and delayed responses to CA conditions.
- ACS1 expression and activity correlated with cold-induced ethylene production.
- ACS3 transcription was triggered by warming, independent of ethylene.
- ACO1 expression drove ethylene production during shelf life; ACO2/ACO3 were upregulated in 1-MCP treated fruit.
Conclusions:
- Ethylene biosynthesis in apples is dynamically regulated by CA storage conditions.
- Specific ethylene biosynthesis genes (ACS1, ACO1) are key regulators under different storage phases.
- 1-MCP application helps distinguish ethylene-dependent and independent responses to storage.
Related Concept Videos
01:58Fruit Development, Structure, and Function
Fruits form from a mature flower ovary. As seeds develop from the ovules contained within, the ovary wall undergoes a series of complex changes to form fruit. In some fruits, such as soybeans, the ovary wall dries; in other fruits, such as grapes, it remains fleshy. In some cases, organs other than the ovary contribute to fruit formation; such fruits are called accessory fruits.
02:04Regulation of Transpiration by Stomata
During photosynthesis, plants acquire the necessary carbon dioxide and release the produced oxygen back into the atmosphere. Openings in the epidermis of plant leaves is the site of this exchange of gasses. A single opening is called a stoma—derived from the Greek word for “mouth.” Stomata open and close in response to a variety of environmental cues.
01:57Adaptations that Reduce Water Loss
Though evaporation from plant leaves drives transpiration, it also results in loss of water. Because water is critical for photosynthetic reactions and other cellular processes, evolutionary pressures on plants in different environments have driven the acquisition of adaptations that reduce water loss.
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.
02:45Biological Clocks and Seasonal Responses
The circadian—or biological—clock is an intrinsic, timekeeping, molecular mechanism that allows plants to coordinate physiological activities over 24-hour cycles called circadian rhythms. Photoperiodism is a collective term for the biological responses of plants to variations in the relative lengths of dark and light periods. The period of light-exposure is called the photoperiod.