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Adjustments of embryonic photosynthetic activity modulate seed fitness in A rabidopsis thaliana
Author(s) -
Allorent Guillaume,
Osorio Sonia,
Ly Vu Joseph,
Falconet Denis,
Jouhet Juliette,
Kuntz Marcel,
Fernie Alisdair R.,
LerbsMache Silva,
Macherel David,
Courtois Florence,
Finazzi Giovanni
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/nph.13044
Subject(s) - photosynthesis , chloroplast , arabidopsis thaliana , photosystem ii , biology , biophysics , electron transport chain , electron flow , botany , photosystem , germination , microbiology and biotechnology , biochemistry , gene , mutant
Summary In this work, we dissect the physiological role of the transient photosynthetic stage observed in developing seeds of A rabidopsis thaliana . By combining biochemical and biophysical approaches, we demonstrate that despite similar features of the photosynthetic apparatus, light absorption, chloroplast morphology and electron transport are modified in green developing seeds, as a possible response to the peculiar light environment experienced by them as a result of sunlight filtration by the pericarp. In particular, enhanced exposure to far‐red light, which mainly excites photosystem I, largely enhances cyclic electron flow around this complex at the expenses of oxygen evolution. Using pharmacological, genetic and metabolic analyses, we show that both linear and cyclic electron flows are important during seed formation for proper germination timing. Linear flow provides specific metabolites related to oxygen and water stress responses. Cyclic electron flow possibly adjusts the ATP to NADPH ratio to cope with the specific energy demand of developing seeds. By providing a comprehensive scenario of the characteristics, function and consequences of embryonic photosynthesis on seed vigour, our data provide a rationale for the transient building up of a photosynthetic machinery in seeds.

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