Using the Developing Spermatogenous Cells of Ceratopteris to Unlock the Mysteries of the Plant Cytoskeleton

The actin and microtubule (MT) cytoskeletons are vital structures for cell growth and development across all species. While individual molecular mechanisms underpinning actin and MT dynamics have been intensively studied, principles that govern the cytoskeleton organization remain largely unexplored. Here, we captured biologically relevant characteristics of the plant cytoskeleton through a network-driven imaging-based approach allowing us to quantitatively assess dynamic features of the cytoskeleton. By introducing suitable null models, we demonstrate that the plant cytoskeletal networks exhibit properties required for efficient transport, namely, short average path lengths and high robustness. We further show that these advantageous features are maintained during temporal cytoskeletal rearrangements. Interestingly, man-made transportation networks exhibit similar properties, suggesting general laws of network organization supporting diverse transport processes. The proposed network-driven analysis can be readily used to identify organizational principles of cytoskeletons in other organisms.

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Cell biology of early events in the plant resistance response to infection by pathogenic fungi

Canadian Journal of Botany ◽

10.1139/b95-278 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 73 (S1) ◽

pp. 418-425 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

I. Kobayashi ◽

L. J. Murdoch ◽

A. R. Hardham ◽

H. Kunoh

Keyword(s):

Plant Resistance ◽

Cell Biology ◽

Fungal Pathogens ◽

Plant Defence ◽

Pathogenic Fungi ◽

Callose Deposition ◽

Resistance Response ◽

New Genes ◽

Host Cell Wall ◽

Plant Cytoskeleton

In addition to passive (or constitutive) defence mechanisms, plants have evolved a range of active (or inducible) responses that occur rapidly on infection with an incompatible (avirulent) pathogen and that are thought to play a major role in the expression of resistance. These defence reactions are only induced if the plant possesses the ability to recognize and respond to the pathogen. Signal reception by the host must initiate a cascade of events that lead to the expression of resistance. Some resistance responses, such as callose deposition, do not require the expression of new genes. Many responses, for example the synthesis and secretion of toxic compounds or molecules that enhance the strength of physical barriers, result from changes in the pattern of gene transcription. Other defence phenomena include hypersensitive cell collapse, intercellular signalling, and the induction of defence gene transcripts in surrounding cells. Changes in cell biochemistry and physiology are accompanied by characteristic structural modifications in the infected cells, such as the redeployment of selected organelles and dramatic modifications of the host cell wall. Recent evidence indicates that microtubules and microfilaments of the plant cytoskeleton facilitate the rapid localization of these and other plant defence responses to the region of infection. Key words: plant resistance, plant cytoskeleton, microtubules, microfilaments, fungal pathogens, polarity of defence response.

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Association of Multiple GTP-Binding Proteins with the Plant Cytoskeleton and Nuclear Matrix

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications ◽

10.1006/bbrc.1995.1620 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 210 (1) ◽

pp. 7-13 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

B.K. Drobak ◽

P.A.C. Watkins ◽

T.D. Bunney ◽

S.K. Dove ◽

P.J. Shaw ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nuclear Matrix ◽

Binding Proteins ◽

Gtp Binding Proteins ◽

Gtp Binding ◽

Plant Cytoskeleton

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The plant cytoskeleton controls regulatory volume increase

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Biomembranes ◽

10.1016/j.bbamem.2013.04.027 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 1828 (9) ◽

pp. 2111-2120 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Qiong Liu ◽

Fei Qiao ◽

Ahmed Ismail ◽

Xiaoli Chang ◽

Peter Nick

Keyword(s):

Volume Increase ◽

Regulatory Volume Increase ◽

Plant Cytoskeleton

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Ultrastructure and Differentiation In Chara Sp. III. Formation of the Antheridium

Australian Journal of Biological Sciences ◽

10.1071/bi9680255 ◽

1968 ◽

Vol 21 (2) ◽

pp. 255 ◽

Cited By ~ 44

Author(s):

JD Pickett-Heaps

Keyword(s):

Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽

Basal Cell ◽

Outer Layer ◽

Distinctive Pattern ◽

Wall Deposition ◽

Nodal Cell ◽

Large Numbers ◽

Cytoplasmic Microtubules ◽

Spermatogenous Cells

The formation of the antheridium from an enlarged nodal cell is described. After a basal cell has been cut off, precisely oriented mitoses divide the antheridial cell initially into octants; then follow two periclinal divisions in each octant. The outer layer of cells become the shield cells, the middle form the manubria, and the inner capitula cells divide further to produce secondary capitula and ultimately the spermatogenous threads. The shield cells become compartmentalized during enlargement by ingrowths in the wall which finally form a very distinctive pattern. Microtubules are associated with the regions of wall deposition. Plastids in the shields accumulate large numbers of globuli, and this is probably associated with the orange pigmentation they acquire. Large amounts of material seem to be secreted into the antheridia by the manubria; this material is formed within large vesicles which are apparently discharged through the plasmalemma. In the young capitula, a characteristic, highly organized grouping of many cytoplasmic microtubules forms a band which appears to wind through the cytoplasm; its significance and functions are obscure. Presumptive "spherosomes" are present in large numbers in these and spermatogenous cells. The spherosomes and lipid-like inclusions are very frequently coated with membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum.

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