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Related Experiment Videos

Aerobic fermentation during tobacco pollen development

M Tadege1, C Kuhlemeier

  • 1Institute of Plant Physiology, University of Berne, Switzerland.

Plant Molecular Biology
|February 12, 1998
PubMed
Summary

Plant pollen utilizes ethanolic fermentation (pyruvate decarboxylase and alcohol dehydrogenase) irrespective of oxygen, controlled by sugar supply. This aerobic fermentation supports energy demands but may produce toxic acetaldehyde, linked to maize male sterility.

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Area of Science:

  • Plant Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Ethanolic fermentation in plants is typically induced by oxygen deprivation.
  • Pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) are key enzymes in ethanolic fermentation.
  • These enzymes are usually active under oxygen stress in vegetative tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression and activity of PDC and ADH proteins in developing and germinating pollen.
  • To determine the regulatory factors controlling ethanolic fermentation in pollen.
  • To explore the role of aerobic fermentation in pollen development and its potential link to male sterility.

Main Methods:

  • Examined PDC and ADH protein expression patterns in developing pollen using immunolocalization.

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  • Assessed flux through the ethanolic fermentation pathway at various pollen developmental stages.
  • Investigated the influence of oxygen availability and sugar supply on fermentation rates.

    • Main Results:

    • PDC and ADH proteins accumulate in gametophytic pollen tissue starting from microspore mitosis.
    • Ethanolic fermentation flux is detectable throughout pollen development, from premeiotic buds to mature pollen.
    • Fermentation is primarily regulated by sugar supply, not oxygen availability, in pollen.
    • Respiration and fermentation occur concurrently in developing and germinating pollen under high sugar metabolism.
    • Aerobic fermentation may serve as a metabolic shunt for energy and biosynthesis.

    Conclusions:

    • Developing and germinating pollen exhibit significant aerobic fermentation, regulated by sugar availability.
    • This pathway supports the high metabolic demands of pollen development and germination.
    • Toxic acetaldehyde accumulation from aerobic fermentation could contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction, potentially explaining male sterility in maize (cms-T).