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Energy Flow from Root to Shoot: A Comprehensive In silico Analysis
Mehri Rostaminedjad1, Hossein Askari2, Maryam Zakavi2
1Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University G. C., Evin, Tehran, Iran.
Iranian Journal of Biotechnology
|August 29, 2019
Summary
Plant roots synthesize xylem sap proteins with lower energy costs, suggesting an efficient communication pathway between roots and shoots. This conserved protein composition aids in transmitting signals and metabolites throughout the plant.
Area of Science:
- Plant physiology and molecular biology
- Plant signaling and communication
- Biochemistry of plant transport systems
Background:
- Root-to-shoot communication relies on xylem sap, transporting signal molecules, metabolites, and proteins.
- Xylem sap protein composition shows high conservation across plant species.
- These proteins are synthesized in roots and secreted into the xylem for transport to aerial parts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the signaling capacity of xylem sap proteins.
- To quantify the energy expenditure for root-synthesized secreted proteins.
- To compare energy costs for intracellular versus extracellular protein biosynthesis in roots.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of xylem sap protein sequences from Arabidopsis, maize, and soybean.
- Evaluation of protein mobility, physical, and chemical properties.
- Calculation and comparison of metabolic energy for biosynthesis and peptide bonds against control proteins.
Main Results:
- Xylem sap proteins are smaller than root proteins but larger than leaf proteins.
- Xylem sap proteins exhibit higher isoelectric points and stability compared to root and leaf proteins.
- Significantly lower energy consumption was observed for xylem sap protein synthesis.
Conclusions:
- Reduced energy expenditure for xylem sap protein synthesis indicates an economical signaling strategy.
- This efficient route supports symplastic signaling pathways in plants.
- Conserved xylem sap proteins play a crucial role in inter-organ plant communication.
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