[ad_1]
The incredible ability of plants to live on the Earth is to grow for hundreds of years. They are always directed towards the sun, which gives them the energy they need to sprout.
Changes in the environment are what cause this growth. However, current climate changes are causing new stimuli that disrupt normal plant growth.
As a doctoral candidate in biochemistry at the University of Québec in Montréal, I am interested in the structure of plant proteins, and study the ways plants adapt to environmental stresses (drought, cold, deficiencies) at the molecular level in order to select more resilient variants for agriculture.
Pando has a longevity unmatched
The The oldest forest on the planetPando, also known as the 80,000-year-old tree, is located in Utah. It is located in Utah. It contains 40,000 genetically similar (clones), quaking, ortrembling, aspen tree clones. The colony communicates through a single root network.
Pando is the oldest living organism in existence. This colony was formed in the early 1900s. It was 30,000 years ago that the first one was made. Homo sapiensLocated in Europe. Pando, therefore has been witness to the whole of modern human life. Rome and China: Empires, World wars and also to humanity’s greatest feats.
(Shutterstock)
Nonetheless, the colony’s poplars have not grown nonstop for 80,000 years. Their thriving population is a testament to their ability to The seasons are the orchestrators of development. To face external aggressions, they must manage their developmental growth in accordance with their needs. The external environment can be disrupted and the Current climate crisis directlyThis normal growth regulation is affected.
The secret to plant growth lies in the cell
New organs are created by plants, such as the leaves. As needed, flowers or rootsTo an external stimulus from nature. A change in the time of day for light exposure during spring is an example. Triggers for flowering.
These stimuli activate specific genes in order to develop each organ and form an adult plant. DNA is likened to a book of genes, which contains the code for each plant’s physical peculiarities. These genes are living words that must also be understood to understand their meaning. They contain information.
The gene reading phenomenon is responsible for all stages of plant development and growth, including seed germination, flower reproduction, and the formation stems, roots, and leaves. For each word of the gene, activators are required. These activators can position themselves at each word of the gene to read it and express it if the environmental conditions are favorable to growth. The gene encodes a specific growth pattern for the organ..
(Souleïmen Jmii)
DELLA proteins determine growth
Because of the high cost of living, plants can’t afford to continue to grow. Energy costs for growth. Similar to hibernating animals, plants also stop growing in winter. becoming dormantTo survive the season. Plants use safeguards called “protection” to block the reading of genes. DELLA proteins.
These proteins are found only in plants and have been constant through evolution. They are especially abundant in plants. Conifers, mosses and flowering plants. DELLAs can be found in the cell nucleus near DNA. They are constantly produced and can block gene activators.
(Souleïmen Jmii), Author provided
To mature, plants need to destroy the DELLAs that release the activators. Plants are capable of releasing activators. A system was developed to label these proteinsYou can influence their destiny in the cells according to your needs. The cell adds a small protein called ubiquitin to its surface in order to degrade DELLAs. Ubiquitin acts like a postage stamp that tells the cell to deliver the DELLAs to a new destination, a “cellular trash can,” where they will be degraded.
(Souleïmen Jmii), Author provided
Climate stress blocks DELLA degradation
Droughts and floods are on the riseAll over the globe. Because of their inmobility These external attacks can’t be avoided by plants. These new environmental parameters are a threat to wild plants as well as agricultural crops. Their growth is being disruptedThey must use energy to survive and not grow and must not degrade DELLA proteins.
This means that the DELLA proteins must be labelled in a different way, via a cousin of ubiquitin. Scientists have called it SUMO. SUMO replaces ubiquitin. It acts as a life buoy to prevent it from getting degraded.
(Souleïmen Jmii), Fourni par l’auteur
In fact, SUMO labelling takes place in the exact same spot where ubiquitin should go. SUMO does not allow plants to add ubiquitin. Survive adverse climatic events.
It is crucial to understand and investigate the plant growth mechanism in order to maintain sustainability in agricultural crops in the current climate crisis. Researchers are actively seeking to isolate and select plants capable of quickly activating SUMO to help them grow in adverse conditions.
