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Phytase activity in lichens.

Niall F Higgins1, Peter D Crittenden1

  • 1School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.

The New Phytologist
|May 13, 2015
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Lichens possess phytase enzymes that break down organic phosphorus (P) from atmospheric deposits and pollen. This enzyme activity, particularly in epiphytic lichens, aids in P capture and cycling within forest canopies.

Keywords:
Evernia prunastrienzymesepiphytesinositol hexaphosphatephosphomonoesterasephytic acid

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Biochemistry
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Lichens possess surface-bound enzymes involved in nutrient cycling.
  • Phosphorus (P) is a crucial nutrient, often limited in ecosystems.
  • Inositol hexaphosphate (InsP6) is a major organic P storage molecule.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate phytase activity in various lichen species.
  • To test if phytase is part of the lichen enzyme suite for hydrolyzing deposited organic phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N).
  • To explore the role of phytase in lichen P acquisition and cycling.

Main Methods:

  • A novel assay method was developed to measure phytase activity.
  • Ion chromatography was used to quantify inositol hexaphosphate (InsP6) hydrolysis and lower-order inositol phosphate products.
  • Phytase activity in Evernia prunastri was assessed across sites with differing nitrogen (N) deposition rates.

Main Results:

  • Phytase activity was detected in 13 lichen species, notably higher in epiphytic lichens than terricolous ones.
  • Phytase and phosphomonoesterase activities were positively correlated across species.
  • Nitrogen enrichment promoted both enzyme activities in Evernia prunastri, with phytase readily released into washings.
  • Inositol hexaphosphate (InsP6) was found in pollen leachate but not in canopy throughfall.

Conclusions:

  • Phytase activity is widespread in lichens, suggesting a significant role in capturing P from atmospheric and pollen-derived sources.
  • Lichen phytase contributes to P cycling in forest canopy ecosystems.
  • The developed enzyme assay may be applicable to plant, fungal, and soil P cycling studies.