Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 2, 2025
08:05
Staining the Cytoplasmic Ca2+ with Fluo-4/AM in Apple Pulp
Published on: November 6, 2021
4.6K
Understanding calcium functionality by examining growth characteristics and structural aspects in calcium-deficient
Shuyan Duan1, Chengjun Zhang1, Shiren Song1
1School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China.
Scientific Reports
|February 26, 2022
Summary
Calcium deficiency in grapevines (Vitis vinifera) stunts growth and causes leaf yellowing. This study details cellular changes, revealing impacts on root and vascular systems for better understanding calcium
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Agricultural Science
- Plant Physiology
Background:
- Calcium (Ca2+) is essential for plant cell wall structure and signaling.
- Calcium deficiency impacts overall plant health and productivity.
- Understanding specific Vitis vinifera responses to calcium deficiency is crucial for viticulture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the growth and cellular effects of calcium deficiency in hydroponically grown grapevines.
- To investigate the anatomical and ultrastructural modifications in response to low calcium availability.
- To establish a link between observed symptoms and the functional role of calcium in Vitis vinifera.
Main Methods:
- Hydroponic cultivation of Vitis vinifera under calcium-sufficient and calcium-deficient conditions.
- Microscopy techniques (light and electron) for cellular and tissue analysis.
- Measurement of growth parameters, chlorophyll content, and nutrient concentrations.
Main Results:
- Calcium-deficient vines showed reduced shoot length, leaf area, and chlorophyll, leading to chlorosis and necrosis.
- Root systems were less dense with necrotic tissues, though xylem vessels increased in number and lateral roots developed.
- Significant ultrastructural changes in chloroplasts and increased xylem with lignin were observed in deficient plants.
Conclusions:
- Calcium deficiency profoundly impacts grapevine growth, morphology, and cellular structure.
- Specific anatomical adaptations occur in response to calcium stress, affecting vascular tissues.
- These findings provide insights into calcium's critical role in grapevine physiology and symptom development.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis
4.9K
Calcium is not only the most abundant mineral in bone but also the most abundant mineral in the human body. Calcium ions are needed for bone mineralization, tooth health, heart rate regulation and strength of contraction, blood coagulation, the contraction of smooth and skeletal muscle cells, and the regulation of nerve impulse conduction. The average calcium level in the blood is about 10 mg/dL. When the body cannot maintain this level, a person will experience hypo or hypercalcemia.
4.9K
01:25Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
3.8K
The growth and maintenance of bone are regulated by a combination of nutritional factors, including vitamins, such as vitamin A, B12, C, D, and K.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
3.8K
01:27Feedback Regulation of Calcium Concentration
3.5K
Calcium is an essential signaling molecule required for various cellular functions. Calcium pumps and ion channels on cell and organellar membranes, such as those on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), regulate calcium concentrations inside the cell. They remain closed, keeping the cytosolic calcium levels low at a resting state.
Various transmembrane receptors, such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), elicit a response to extracellular signals by increasing cytosolic calcium. Activated GPCRs...
Various transmembrane receptors, such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), elicit a response to extracellular signals by increasing cytosolic calcium. Activated GPCRs...
3.5K
01:18The Bone Matrix
4.7K
Bone contains a relatively small number of cells entrenched in a matrix of collagen fibers that provide an adherent surface for inorganic salt crystals. Both components of the matrix, organic and inorganic, contribute to the unusual properties of bone. Without collagen, bones would be brittle and shatter easily. Without mineral crystals, bones would flex and provide little support. This can be observed by an experiment: when the minerals of a bone are dissolved by soaking the bone in...
4.7K
01:31Essential Minerals for Bone Health
4.6K
The minerals contained in all of the food we consume are essential for our organ systems. However, certain essential minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and fluoride, largely affect bone health.
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
4.6K
01:58Fruit Development, Structure, and Function
23.2K
Fruits form from a mature flower ovary. As seeds develop from the ovules contained within, the ovary wall undergoes a series of complex changes to form fruit. In some fruits, such as soybeans, the ovary wall dries; in other fruits, such as grapes, it remains fleshy. In some cases, organs other than the ovary contribute to fruit formation; such fruits are called accessory fruits.
23.2K