Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 27, 2025

Single Cell Measurements of Vacuolar Rupture Caused by Intracellular Pathogens
Published on: June 12, 2013
Vacuolar Ca
Andrew M Beacham1, Katie A Wilkins2, Julia M Davies2
1Centre for Crop and Environmental Sciences, Harper Adams University, Edgmond, Shropshire, TF10 8NB, UK.
Lettuce tipburn, a physiological disorder, is linked to calcium transport. Differential expression of vacuolar calcium transporters in resistant lettuce cultivars suggests their importance for breeding improved varieties.
Area of Science:
- Plant physiology
- Molecular genetics
- Agricultural science
Background:
- Tipburn is a significant physiological disorder in lettuce (Lactuca sativa), causing leaf discoloration and quality issues in the fresh produce industry.
- The underlying physiological and molecular basis of tipburn is poorly understood, though it is associated with nutrient deficiencies, particularly calcium.
- Vacuolar calcium transporters play a role in calcium homeostasis and exhibit differential expression in tipburn-resistant and susceptible *Brassica oleracea*.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of *L. sativa* vacuolar calcium transporter homologues in tipburn-resistant and susceptible lettuce cultivars.
- To identify specific *L. sativa* vacuolar calcium transporter genes associated with tipburn resistance.
- To understand the role of differential gene expression in the development of tipburn resistance in lettuce.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of gene expression of *L. sativa* vacuolar calcium transporter homologues, including Ca2+/H+ exchangers and Ca2+-ATPases.
- Comparison of gene expression levels between tipburn-resistant and susceptible lettuce cultivars.
- Examination of gene expression in both symptomatic and asymptomatic leaves of susceptible cultivars.
Main Results:
- Some *L. sativa* vacuolar calcium transporter homologues showed higher expression in resistant cultivars, while others were higher in susceptible cultivars or unaffected by tipburn phenotype.
- Certain homologues were more highly expressed in symptomatic leaves of susceptible cultivars, indicating that induced expression does not confer resistance.
- Differential baseline expression of vacuolar calcium transporter genes appears crucial for tipburn resistance in lettuce.
Conclusions:
- Specific vacuolar calcium transporter genes are associated with tipburn resistance in lettuce.
- Understanding the baseline expression of these genes can aid in breeding for tipburn resistance.
- This knowledge can contribute to the development of more resilient lettuce varieties, improving crop quality and reducing industry losses.
More Related Videos
13:55Measurement of Vacuolar and Cytosolic pH In Vivo in Yeast Cell Suspensions
Published on: April 19, 2013
10:30The C. elegans Excretory Canal as a Model for Intracellular Lumen Morphogenesis and In Vivo Polarized Membrane Biogenesis in a Single Cell: labeling by GFP-fusions, RNAi Interaction Screen and Imaging
Published on: October 3, 2017
Related Concept Videos
ATP Driven Pumps III: V-type Pumps
The peripheral or cytosolic V1 domain with eight subunits is involved in ATP hydrolysis. The integral or transmembrane V0 domain containing at least five subunits...
The Apoplast and Symplast
Pinocytosis
Pinocytosis ("cellular drinking") is one of three main types of...
Short-distance Transport of Resources
Intralumenal Vesicles and Multivesicular Bodies
Vesicular Tubular Clusters
With the help of motor proteins such...