Desiccation tolerance in the moss Polytrichum formosum: physiological and fine-structural changes during desiccation and recovery.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

This study explores basic physiological features and time relations of recovery of photosynthetic activity and CO(2) uptake following rehydration of a desiccation-tolerant moss in relation to the full temporal sequence of cytological changes associated with recovery to the normal hydrated state. It seeks reconciliation of the apparently conflicting published physiological and cytological evidence on recovery from desiccation in bryophytes.

Methods

Observations were made of water-stress responses and recovery using infrared gas analysis and modulated chlorophyll fluorescence, and of structural and ultrastructural changes by light and transmission electron microscopy.

Key results

Net CO(2) uptake fell to zero at approx. 40 % RWC, paralleling the fluo

SUBMITTER: Proctor MC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2802982 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature