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Updated: Feb 4, 2026

Measurements of Physiological Stress Responses in C. Elegans
Published on: May 21, 2020
Ultrastructure variations in Sphagnum denticulatum ecotypes in response to desiccation stress matter to conservation
Katarzyna Winnicka1, Iwona Melosik1, Maria Katarzyna Wojciechowicz2
1Department of Genetics, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Umultowska 89, 61-614, Poznań, Poland.
Abstract:
Global warming and peat bogs drying are having a strong negative effect on the survival of endangered peat mosses. Here, we aimed to identify ultrastructural and physiological trait variation during dehydration and rehydration in the (sub-)meristematic cells of buds among clonally propagated individuals of Sphagnum denticulatum in relation to their ecological origin. We cultivated five clones in common garden conditions (CGCs) to exclude a carryover effect and we subsequently water-stressed (-40 MPa) and rehydrated (7 days) them. For the ultrastructure analysis, over 1280 measurements were recorded for 34 traits. Compared with the control, the treatment led to alterations in organelles that appeared to be ecotype- and genotype-dependent and characteristic for desiccation-sensitive mosses. Also, the recovery of chloroplasts, as measured by the initial and maximal fluorescence yield, were incomplete for all studied plants indicating desiccation sensitivity. Terrestrial genotypes possessed better recovery capability than did aquatic genotypes, suggesting an adaptation of the former to tolerate unpredictable terrestrial conditions in time and space. Genotype-specific requirements of water availability in the original environments should be considered before transplanting gametophytes for peatland restoration programs.
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