Quantitative Resistance: More Than Just Perception of a Pathogen
Jason A Corwin1, Daniel J Kliebenstein2,3
1Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, California 95616.
The Plant Cell
|March 18, 2017
Summary
Quantitative resistance in plants involves numerous genes, extending beyond pathogen detection to include defense outputs like cell wall strengthening. Understanding this complex genetic basis is crucial for improving plant immunity.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Molecular plant pathology traditionally focuses on qualitative resistance genes.
- Quantitative resistance mechanisms, especially their genetic underpinnings, are less understood.
- Recent research reveals hundreds of genes contribute to quantitative resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms controlling variation in quantitative plant resistance.
- To explore the genetic basis of quantitative resistance beyond pathogen recognition.
- To investigate the polygenic nature of defense outputs in quantitative resistance.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of genetic variation in quantitative resistance loci.
- Investigation of causal genes encoding defense-related outputs (e.g., cell wall strengthening, biosynthesis).
- Examination of pathogen genetic variation's impact on broad-spectrum resistance.
Main Results:
- Quantitative resistance is controlled by genetic variation at hundreds of genes.
- Mechanisms include pathogen recognition and defense outputs like cell wall reinforcement.
- Defense output mechanisms are also highly polygenic.
- Pathogen genetic variation influences broad-spectrum resistance.
Conclusions:
- Quantitative resistance has a vast and complex genetic basis.
- Understanding these polygenic mechanisms is key for enhancing plant immunity.
- Rethinking broad-spectrum resistance in light of pathogen genetic diversity is necessary.
Related Concept Videos
02:26Defenses Against Pathogens and Herbivores
29.8K
Plants present a rich source of nutrients for many organisms, making it a target for herbivores and infectious agents. Plants, though lacking a proper immune system, have developed an array of constitutive and inducible defenses to fend off these attacks.
29.8K
01:25Cell Signaling in Plants
6.9K
Plant cells communicate to coordinate their cycle of growth, flowering and fruiting, and activities in roots, shoots, and leaves in response to the changing environmental conditions. Plant signaling is distinct from animal signaling. Plants primarily utilize enzyme-linked receptors, whereas the largest class of cell-surface receptors in animals are G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Unlike animals, receptor tyrosine kinases are rare in plants. Instead, plants have a diverse class of...
6.9K
01:56Plant Hormones
28.0K
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.
28.0K
02:02Responses to Salt Stress
14.8K
Salt stress—which can be triggered by high salt concentrations in a plant’s environment—can significantly affect plant growth and crop production by influencing photosynthesis and the absorption of water and nutrients.
14.8K
02:41Responses to Drought and Flooding
12.2K
Water plays a significant role in the life cycle of plants. However, insufficient or excess of water can be detrimental and pose a serious threat to plants.
12.2K
02:43Plant Cell Wall
61.2K
The plant cell wall gives plant cells shape, support, and protection. As a cell matures, its cell wall specializes according to the cell type. For example, the parenchyma cells of leaves possess only a thin, primary cell wall.
61.2K