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Salinity induces membrane structure and lipid changes in maize mesophyll and bundle sheath chloroplasts
Eiji Omoto1, Yugo Iwasaki1, Hiroshi Miyake1
1Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan.
Physiologia Plantarum
|November 12, 2015
Summary
Maize mesophyll cell chloroplasts are more vulnerable to salt stress than bundle sheath cell chloroplasts due to differences in monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) levels. BSC chloroplasts show higher salt tolerance because of lower MGDG sensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Biochemistry
- Membrane Physiology
Background:
- Chloroplast membranes in Zea mays (maize) exhibit differential salt sensitivity.
- Mesophyll cell (MC) chloroplasts are more vulnerable to salinity stress than bundle sheath cell (BSC) chloroplasts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanism behind the differing salt sensitivities of MC and BSC chloroplast membranes.
- To investigate changes in glycerolipid and fatty acid composition under salinity stress.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of glycerolipid and fatty acid profiles in MC and BSC chloroplasts from maize plants exposed to salinity stress.
- Quantification of key lipids including MGDG, DGDG, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol, and phosphatidylcholine.
Main Results:
- MC chloroplasts had higher MGDG and DGDG than BSC chloroplasts under normal and salt conditions.
- Salinity stress significantly reduced MGDG in MC chloroplasts but not in BSC chloroplasts.
- Fatty acid composition and double bond index were altered by salt, but glycerolipid content remained unaffected.
Conclusions:
- Differential MGDG response to salinity is a key factor in the distinct salt sensitivities of MC and BSC chloroplast membranes.
- Lower MGDG content and reduced MGDG sensitivity in BSC chloroplasts contribute to their enhanced salt tolerance compared to MC chloroplasts.
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