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New insights into the functions of carbon–calcium inclusions in plants
Author(s) -
Karabourniotis George,
Horner Harry T.,
Bresta Panagiota,
Nikolopoulos Dimosthenis,
Liakopoulos Georgios
Publication year - 2020
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.16763
Subject(s) - biogeochemical cycle , endodermis , calcium carbonate , photosynthesis , biology , carbon fibers , nutrient , carbon sequestration , abiotic stress , environmental chemistry , ecology , botany , chemistry , carbon dioxide , biochemistry , materials science , organic chemistry , composite number , gene , composite material
Summary Carbon–calcium inclusions (CCaI) either as calcium oxalate crystals (CaOx) or amorphous calcium carbonate cystoliths are spread among most photosynthetic organisms. They represent dynamic structures with a significant construction cost and their appearance during evolution indicates an ancient origin. Both types of inclusions share some similar functional characteristics providing adaptive advantages such as the regulation of Ca levels, and the release of CO 2 and water molecules upon decomposition. The latter seems to be essential under drought conditions and explains the intense occurrence of these structures in plants thriving in dry climates. It seems, however, that for plants CaOx may represent a more prevalent storage system compared with CaCO 3 due to the multifunctionality of oxalate. This compound participates in a number of important soil biogeochemical processes, creates endosymbiosis with beneficial bacteria and provides tolerance against a combination of abiotic (nutrient deprivation, metal toxicity) and biotic (pathogens, herbivores) stress factors. We suggest a re‐evaluation of the roles of these fascinating plant structures under a new and holistic approach that could enhance our understanding of carbon sequestration at the whole plant level and provide future perspectives.