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Updated: Jan 10, 2026

Profiling of Permethylated Mucin O-glycans Using Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry
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The origin and evolution of root mucilage.

Meisam Nazari1, Asma Fathinejad2, Mohammad Hossein Mohammadi1

  • 1Department of Soil Sciences and Engineering, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, 77871-31587, Iran.

The New Phytologist
|November 21, 2025
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Plant root mucilage, a vital substance for plant-soil interactions, evolved from algal ancestors. This polysaccharide adaptation has been crucial for plants colonizing land by aiding hydration, anchorage, and nutrient uptake.

Keywords:
drought toleranceplant evolutionplant holobiontrhizodepositsrhizosphere microbiomeroot exudateswater stress

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Area of Science:

  • Plant Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Soil Science

Background:

  • Root mucilage is a polysaccharide-rich substance secreted by plant roots.
  • It plays a critical role in mediating plant-soil interactions.
  • Understanding its evolutionary origins is key to comprehending plant terrestrial adaptation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To trace the evolutionary origins of root mucilage from algal ancestors to modern vascular plants.
  • To highlight the conserved gene families involved in mucilage biosynthesis.
  • To infer the evolutionary trajectory and ecological roles of mucilage.

Main Methods:

  • Phylogenomic analysis of conserved gene families.
  • Review of genetic, functional, and ecological evidence.
  • Examination of fossil and comparative evidence.

Main Results:

  • Components of mucilage biosynthesis machinery were present in algal ancestors.
  • Mucilage evolved to facilitate hydration, anchorage, soil structuring, and nutrient availability.
  • Mucilage secretion and its regulation are deeply conserved traits.

Conclusions:

  • Root mucilage is a critical adaptation for plant colonization of terrestrial environments.
  • Its evolutionary journey showcases a stepwise development of functions from ancestral to modern roles.
  • Mucilage significantly contributes to plant survival, water uptake, and drought tolerance.