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Symplasmic phloem unloading and post-phloem transport during bamboo internode elongation
Lin Deng1, Pengcheng Li1, Caihua Chu1
1Key Laboratory for Sympodial Bamboo Research, Southwest Forestry University, Bailong Road, Panlong District, Kunming, Yunnan 650224, P. R. China.
Tree Physiology
|January 25, 2020
Summary
Radial transport of sugars in bamboo shoots primarily occurs through a symplastic pathway in parenchyma cells, challenging traditional views and revealing key mechanisms in rapidly growing bamboo.
Area of Science:
- Plant Physiology
- Plant Anatomy
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Traditional understanding suggested radial transport in bamboo occurred mainly at nodes, not internodes.
- Limited research exists on phloem unloading and transport pathways in rapidly elongating bamboo shoots.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the phloem unloading and post-phloem transport pathways in the culms of Fargesiayunnanensis Hsueh et Yi.
- To elucidate the mechanisms of radial assimilate and water transport in elongating bamboo shoots.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 5,6-carboxyfluorescein diacetate tracing experiments.
- Analyzed assimilate transport velocities and localization of sugars, starch, and related enzymes.
- Examined cell wall lignification and suberinization in maturing internodes.
Main Results:
- Identified a symplastic pathway for phloem unloading and post-unloading transport in bamboo culms.
- Lignification and suberinization blocked apoplastic transport, directing assimilates through parenchyma cells.
- Parenchyma cells surrounding vascular bundles act as 'rays' for radial sugar transport and metabolism.
Conclusions:
- Bamboo internodes facilitate radial transport via a symplastic pathway in parenchyma cells.
- Parenchyma cells are crucial for radial sugar transport and metabolism in elongating bamboo shoots.
- Assimilate and water transport dynamics are linked to shoot development and time of day.
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