Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2025
14:43
Lignin Down-regulation of Zea mays via dsRNAi and Klason Lignin Analysis
Published on: July 23, 2014
13.4K
How lignin biosynthesis responds to nitrogen in plants: a scoping review
Q Peng1,2, A Shrestha2, Y Zhang2,3
1Collaborative Innovation Centre of Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
Plant Biology (Stuttgart, Germany)
|July 20, 2024
Summary
Nitrogen availability significantly impacts plant lignin biosynthesis. High nitrogen typically reduces lignin content and alters gene expression, while nitrogen deficiency enhances lignin synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Nitrogen is essential for amino acids and enzymes in lignin biosynthesis.
- The exact mechanisms of nitrogen's influence on lignin biosynthesis are not fully understood.
- Lignin is a complex polymer crucial for plant structure and defense.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize current knowledge on how plants regulate lignin biosynthesis in response to nitrogen availability.
- To explore the molecular and biochemical mechanisms underlying nitrogen's effects on lignin.
- To propose potential response mechanisms of lignin under low nitrogen conditions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search across multiple scientific databases.
- Selection and analysis of 44 relevant studies covering diverse plant species and experimental setups.
- Discussion of findings related to lignin content, structure, and biosynthetic pathways.
Main Results:
- A negative correlation exists between nitrogen availability and lignin content in 64.52% of reviewed studies.
- High nitrogen generally decreases lignin content, delays lignification, and increases p-hydroxyphenyl propane (H) monomer.
- Nitrogen deficiency promotes lignin synthesis via phenylpropanoid accumulation and altered gene expression (e.g., PAL, 4CL, CAD).
Conclusions:
- Nitrogen availability is a key regulator of lignin biosynthesis in plants.
- Nitrogen influences lignin content and structure through modulation of gene expression, including transcription factors and miRNAs.
- Understanding these regulatory mechanisms provides insights for future research and potential applications in plant science.
Related Concept Videos
02:35Key Elements for Plant Nutrition
18.7K
Like all living organisms, plants require organic and inorganic nutrients to survive, reproduce, grow and maintain homeostasis. To identify nutrients that are essential for plant functioning, researchers have leveraged a technique called hydroponics. In hydroponic culture systems, plants are grown—without soil—in water-based solutions containing nutrients. At least 17 nutrients have been identified as essential elements required by plants. Plants acquire these elements from the...
18.7K
02:11The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition
35.2K
Plants have the impressive ability to create their own food through photosynthesis. However, plants often require assistance from organisms in the soil to acquire the nutrients they need to function correctly. Both bacteria and fungi have evolved symbiotic relationships with plants that help the species to thrive in a wide variety of environments.
35.2K
01:40Overview of Metabolism
29.7K
Living cells constantly carry out various chemical reactions which are necessary for their proper functioning. These reactions are interlinked to one another via multiple pathways. The collection of these chemical reactions is known as metabolism.
Plant Metabolism
Sunlight, the primary source of energy in plants, is first absorbed by the chlorophyll pigments present in their leaves. Plants then use this energy to carry out photosynthesis, where water is oxidized into oxygen and carbon dioxide...
Plant Metabolism
Sunlight, the primary source of energy in plants, is first absorbed by the chlorophyll pigments present in their leaves. Plants then use this energy to carry out photosynthesis, where water is oxidized into oxygen and carbon dioxide...
29.7K
01:20Overview of Nitrogen Metabolism
7.9K
Nitrogen is a very important element for life because it is a major constituent of proteins and nucleic acids. It is a macronutrient, and in nature, it is recycled from organic compounds and stored in the form of ammonia, ammonium ions, nitrate, nitrite, or nitrogen gas by many metabolic processes. Many of these metabolic processes are carried out only by prokaryotes.
The largest pool of nitrogen available in the terrestrial ecosystem is gaseous nitrogen (N2) from the air, but this...
The largest pool of nitrogen available in the terrestrial ecosystem is gaseous nitrogen (N2) from the air, but this...
7.9K
02:12Short-distance Transport of Resources
15.9K
Short-distance transport refers to transport that occurs over a distance of just 2-3 cells, crossing the plasma membrane in the process. Small uncharged molecules, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water, can diffuse across the plasma membrane on their own. In contrast, ions and larger molecules require the assistance of transport proteins due to their charge or size. Transport across membranes also occurs within individual cells, playing a variety of essential roles for the plant as a whole.
15.9K
01:25Cell Signaling in Plants
5.6K
Plant cells communicate to coordinate their cycle of growth, flowering and fruiting, and activities in roots, shoots, and leaves in response to the changing environmental conditions. Plant signaling is distinct from animal signaling. Plants primarily utilize enzyme-linked receptors, whereas the largest class of cell-surface receptors in animals are G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Unlike animals, receptor tyrosine kinases are rare in plants. Instead, plants have a diverse class of...
5.6K