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Updated: Jan 24, 2026
11:37
Cellular Redox Profiling Using High-content Microscopy
Published on: May 14, 2017
11.5K
Wheat seed ageing viewed through the cellular redox environment and changes in pH
Manuela Nagel1, Charlotte E Seal2, Louise Colville2
1a Genebank Department , IPK , Seeland , Germany.
Free Radical Research
|May 17, 2019
Summary
Wheat seed deterioration mechanisms differ between seed bank storage and controlled deterioration. Seed bank storage leads to free radical accumulation and altered glutathione redox potential, while controlled deterioration shows rapid viability loss without radical buildup.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Biochemistry
- Plant Physiology
Background:
- Seed deterioration is a complex process impacting crop yield and food security.
- Understanding the biochemical basis of seed aging under different storage conditions is crucial for maintaining seed viability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the distinct biochemical mechanisms underlying wheat seed deterioration during long-term seed bank storage versus controlled deterioration (CD).
- To compare the accumulation of organic free radicals, changes in glutathione status, and redox potential under various storage conditions.
Main Methods:
- Studied 23 wheat genotypes under seed bank storage (cold and ambient) and controlled deterioration (45°C at 14% and 18% moisture content).
- Utilized electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) to detect free radicals and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to analyze glutathione (GSH) and its disulfide (GSSG).
- Measured glutathione half-cell reduction potential (EGSSG/2GSH) and extract pH to assess oxidative stress and cellular environment.
Main Results:
- Seed viability decreased significantly under ambient storage but was maintained in cold storage.
- Organic free radicals accumulated in seeds stored in ambient and cold conditions, unlike in controlled deterioration.
- Glutathione (GSH) levels decreased, and the redox potential (EGSSG/2GSH) shifted towards oxidizing conditions in seed bank storage, correlating significantly with viability loss.
- Controlled deterioration showed rapid viability and GSH decline without significant free radical accumulation, with a distinct shift in redox potential.
Conclusions:
- Seed deterioration mechanisms differ significantly between long-term seed bank storage and controlled deterioration.
- Seed bank storage involves oxidative stress indicated by free radical accumulation and altered glutathione redox state.
- Controlled deterioration involves rapid viability loss potentially due to overwhelming deteriorative reactions that outpace enzymatic repair, distinct from seed bank aging pathways.
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