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Mitochondria change dynamics and morphology during grapevine leaf senescence
Cristina Ruberti1, Elisabetta Barizza1, Martina Bodner1
1Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy.
Plos One
|July 11, 2014
Summary
Mitochondria in grapevine leaves change shape and become less mobile during senescence, indicating their morphology can serve as a reliable plant senescence marker.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Cellular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Leaf senescence is a crucial developmental stage involving nutrient reallocation.
- Mitochondria remain active during senescence to meet cellular energy demands.
- Understanding mitochondrial changes during senescence is key to plant health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze mitochondrial motility and morphology during grapevine leaf senescence.
- To investigate grapevine cell cultures as a model for senescence.
- To explore the impact of cytokinins on mitochondrial changes.
Main Methods:
- Stable expression of a GFP reporter targeted to mitochondria in Vitis vinifera.
- Microscopic analysis of mitochondrial dynamics and morphology in different senescence stages.
- Comparison of mitochondrial morphology in leaves and cell cultures.
Main Results:
- Mitochondria exhibited reduced motility and altered morphology (elongated to enlarged/sparse) during senescence.
- Senescence progression was asynchronous, with stomatal mitochondria changes delayed.
- Grapevine cell cultures showed similar mitochondrial changes to senescing leaves.
- High cytokinin concentrations induced senescence-associated mitochondrial alterations.
Conclusions:
- Mitochondrial morphology and dynamics serve as reliable markers for plant senescence.
- Grapevine cell cultures offer a viable model for studying senescence.
- Cytokinins influence senescence-associated mitochondrial changes.
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