What are the genetic mechanisms involved in copper tolerance in plants?
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Copper (Cu) tolerance in plants involves a complex interplay of genetic mechanisms that enable them to survive in environments with toxic levels of Cu. These mechanisms include the expression of specific genes that facilitate Cu absorption, transport, accumulation, and detoxification, as well as the regulation of antioxidant enzyme activity and hormonal and metabolic pathways. The study of OsHIPP17 in rice revealed its role in Cu tolerance through the regulation of Cu transport genes and cytokinin-related genes, affecting plant growth under Cu stress. Similarly, the endophytic fungus Porostereum spadiceum AGH786 has been shown to enhance Cu and drought stress tolerance in Solanum lycopersicum L. by affecting growth attributes, hormonal, metabolic, and antioxidant potential, and by modulating the expression of Cu transporters and metallothionein genes. This indicates that both plant and microbial genes can contribute to Cu tolerance. The physiological and biochemical mechanisms of Cu toxicity and tolerance have been extensively reviewed, highlighting the importance of selecting tolerant genotypes based on these indicators. Genetic engineering techniques have been employed to modify plants for enhanced metal tolerance, focusing on genes related to metal transport, homeostasis, and detoxification. Research on the essential role of Cu as a micronutrient and the mechanisms of detoxification and tolerance in plants has provided insights into the biological functions of Cu transport proteins and chaperone proteins. In Imperata cylindrica, transcriptomic analyses identified genes associated with Cu tolerance, suggesting the cytoskeleton as a potential mechanism of Cu-binding. The molecular mechanisms of Cu tolerance in Fusarium graminearum were explored, revealing the role of the P-type ATPase transporter FgCrpA and the transcription factor FgAceA in Cu detoxification. Studies on Brassica nigra and Cucurbitaceae species have further expanded our understanding of Cu-induced gene expression and the role of metal-tolerance proteins (MTPs) in plant metal tolerance and ion homeostasis. Finally, research on soybean plants has shown that root antioxidant defense, restricted root-to-shoot Cu translocation, and altered nutrient partition are key tolerance mechanisms to soil Cu levels. Collectively, these studies underscore the multifaceted genetic mechanisms plants employ to cope with Cu stress.
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| Copper tolerance in plants involves upregulation of genes like glutathione S-transferase, heavy metal transporters, and superoxide dismutases, aiding in metal detoxification and regulation. | |
7 Citations | Copper tolerance in plants involves metal-tolerance proteins (MTPs) that aid in metal ion transport and homeostasis, as shown in Cucurbitaceae species through gene expression studies under metal stress. |
8 Citations | Copper tolerance in Fusarium graminearum involves FgCrpA, an ATPase transporter, regulated by FgAceA, a transcription factor, essential for Cu detoxification and virulence in plant pathogens. |
13 Feb 2021 4 Citations | Genes related to actin, cytoskeleton formation, metal transporters, and superoxide dismutase activity contribute to copper tolerance in Imperata cylindrica, potentially aiding in phytoremediation of copper-contaminated environments. |
| Genetic mechanisms of copper tolerance in plants involve Cu transport proteins, chaperone proteins, and detoxification processes, aiding in coping with excess Cu stress for growth and development. | |
| The genetic mechanisms for copper tolerance in plants involve upregulation of Cu transporters (SlCOPT) and metallothionein (SlMT) genes, aiding in resistance to copper toxicity. | |
| Genetic engineering enhances copper tolerance in plants by modifying genes for metal transport, homeostasis, and defense responses, enabling phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated sites. | |
14 Dec 2022 | Genetic mechanisms for copper tolerance in plants involve physiological and biochemical responses, aiding in selecting tolerant genotypes based on stress indicators like Cu concentration. |
Related Questions
What are the mechanisms involved in copper tolerance in plants?10 answersCopper (Cu) tolerance in plants involves a multifaceted array of mechanisms at the biochemical, molecular, and physiological levels to mitigate the toxic effects of excess Cu and maintain homeostasis. These mechanisms include the regulation of Cu uptake, transport, sequestration, and detoxification processes, alongside alterations in antioxidant enzyme activities and the expression of stress-responsive genes.
At the molecular level, plants express specific proteins such as heavy metal-associated isoprenylated plant proteins (HIPPs) which play roles in metal absorption, transport, and accumulation, as demonstrated by the functional characterization of OsHIPP17 in rice, which affects the expression of Cu transport genes and cytokinin-related genes under Cu stress. Similarly, the expression of metal transporters and chaperone proteins is crucial for the transport process of Cu within plants, ensuring that Cu is delivered to sites where it is needed for physiological processes while preventing its accumulation to toxic levels.
Biochemical responses to Cu stress include the activation of antioxidant defense mechanisms to scavenge reactive oxygen species generated by Cu toxicity. This is evidenced by the enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes in rice due to the knockout of OsHIPP17, and the induction of antioxidant response in soybean plants exposed to increasing soil Cu levels. Additionally, the production of metal-binding molecules such as phytochelatins contributes to Cu sequestration and detoxification, as observed in Biscutella auriculata, which tolerates high Cu levels through metal sequestration and the activation of antioxidant mechanisms.
Physiological adaptations also play a role in Cu tolerance, including alterations in root-to-shoot Cu translocation to restrict the movement of Cu to aerial parts of the plant, thereby minimizing its detrimental effects on photosynthesis and growth. Moreover, the cytoskeleton has been suggested as a mechanism of Cu-binding in the roots of the metallophyte Imperata cylindrica, indicating a structural component to Cu tolerance.
In summary, Cu tolerance in plants is a complex trait that involves a coordinated response encompassing molecular regulation of Cu transporters and binding proteins, biochemical detoxification pathways, and physiological adaptations to manage and mitigate Cu stress.
What are the molecular mechanisms involved in uptake and transport of copper in plants?4 answersThe molecular mechanisms involved in the uptake and transport of copper (Cu) in plants are complex and crucial for maintaining Cu homeostasis, ensuring plant growth, development, and protection against toxicity. Plants require Cu as an essential micronutrient, acting as a cofactor for various enzymes involved in critical processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, and antioxidant defense. However, excess Cu can be detrimental, necessitating precise regulatory mechanisms for its uptake and transport.
Cu uptake in plants is facilitated by high-affinity transporters, notably the COPT (Copper Transporter) family proteins. These transporters are responsible for the uptake of Cu ions from the soil and their distribution within the plant. In Arabidopsis, for example, the COPT family consists of several members localized at both the plasma membrane and internal membranes, indicating a sophisticated system for Cu mobilization. The NRAMP (Natural Resistance-Associated Macrophage Protein) family also plays a role in Cu and other heavy metal strains, suggesting a broader spectrum of metal ion transport and homeostasis.
Once inside the plant, Cu is transported to various cellular compartments and integrated into Cu-dependent enzymes and proteins. This transport involves a network of chaperones and additional transport proteins, such as P-type ATPases, which facilitate the movement of Cu ions across cell membranes. The SPL7 transcription factor has been identified as a key regulator of Cu homeostasis, influencing the expression of genes involved in Cu transport and distribution.
Mechanisms for detoxification and tolerance against excess Cu involve chelation and sequestration into vacuoles, mediated by metallothioneins, phytochelatins, and specific transporters that prevent toxic concentrations of Cu from accumulating in cellular compartments. Furthermore, the dynamic regulation of COPT transporters, including their degradation and modulation by ubiquitination, plays a critical role in adapting to fluctuating Cu levels, ensuring that uptake and distribution are tightly controlled.
In summary, the molecular mechanisms of Cu uptake and transport in plants involve a coordinated network of high-affinity transporters, chaperones, transcription factors, and detoxification pathways, all working together to maintain Cu homeostasis and protect against toxicity.
What are the specific parameters used to identify tolerance levels for copper in bacteria?4 answersThe specific parameters used to identify tolerance levels for copper in bacteria include the measurement of bacterial growth inhibition (IC50) in response to copper exposure. The IC50 is determined by assessing the amount of copper that inhibits 50% of bacterial growth, typically measured using the leucine incorporation method. The development of bacterial community tolerance to copper can be influenced by various soil properties, such as pH, texture, and organic matter content. In addition, specific soil characteristics, such as effective cation exchange, sorption parameters, and clay content, can be used to estimate the tolerance levels of bacterial communities to copper. The presence of copper-related genes, such as cueR, pcoAB, and oprC, can also be used as indicators of copper tolerance in bacteria.
What is the molecular basis of plant heat tolerance ?5 answersPlants have evolved complex mechanisms to sense and respond to high temperatures, which involve the activation of functional proteins, regulatory proteins, and non-coding RNAs. These mechanisms consist of large regulatory networks that regulate protein and RNA structure and stability, induce signal transduction, mediate transport processes, activate antioxidant defense, and maintain normal metabolic pathways. Heat stress triggers a variety of cellular, physiological, and molecular responses in plants, including changes in growth pattern, sensitivity to pests, flowering, grain filling, and senescence. Specific plant organs, such as developing pollens, are extremely sensitive to heat, and even a few degrees of temperature elevation during pollen development can negatively affect crop production. Heat stress responses are regulated by heat stress transcription factors (HSFs), miRNAs, and transcriptional factors, which form another layer of regulatory circuit. Genes and molecular markers associated with stress tolerance mechanisms are crucial for improving crop productivity under high temperature environments. The understanding of these molecular mechanisms and the identification of superior genotypes with more tolerance to extreme temperatures will contribute to the development of heat-tolerant cultivars and sustainable agriculture in the future.
What are the different mechanisms by which plants tolerate drought stress?5 answersPlants tolerate drought stress through various mechanisms. These include morphological adaptations such as increasing the root/shoot ratio, reducing leaf size, and total leaf area. Physiological responses involve changes in gas exchange and other physiological parameters. Biochemical modifications, such as the production of growth hormones, siderophores, organic acids, and induction of the ROS scavenging system, also contribute to drought tolerance. Additionally, plants can undergo molecular changes, including modulation of gene expression and regulation of phytohormones, through the influence of plant-growth-promoting bacteria and endophytic fungi. These microorganisms enhance nutrient uptake, antioxidant systems, and phytohormone regulation, ultimately leading to better stress tolerance and survival. Overall, plants employ a combination of morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms to cope with drought stress and ensure their survival and productivity.
What are the physiological mechanisms of plant drought tolerance?5 answersPlants have developed various physiological mechanisms to tolerate drought stress. These mechanisms include the production of growth hormones, such as abscisic acid (ABA), and the activation of signaling pathways, such as auxin, cytokinin, and ethylene signaling. Plants also produce enzymes and compounds that play a role in adaptation to drought stress, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging enzymes. Additionally, plants regulate water and nutrient influx/efflux through the deposition of suberin in the root endodermis. Osmoregulatory substances, such as proline and soluble sugars, accumulate in plants under drought stress, contributing to their tolerance. Furthermore, the application of exogenous substances, such as nitric oxide and 24-epibrassinolide, can enhance drought resistance in plants. Overall, these physiological mechanisms enable plants to cope with drought stress and improve their tolerance.