The pleurogram, an under-investigated functional trait in seeds.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A structure called the pleurogram makes up a large part of the seed coat of some species in subfamilies Caesalpinioideae and Mimosoideae of Fabaceae, but little is known about its function. It has been hypothesized that this structure acts as a hygroscopic valve during the maturation drying of seeds. However, a new hypothesis has recently emerged that proposes a distinct function for the pleurogram.

Scope

Here, we provide an overview of the structure and function of the pleurogram, which is diverse and complex. This large structure can be dislodged, thereby creating a pathway for water entry into water-impermeable seeds. However, the pleurogram is non-functional as a pathway of water into the seed of some species. Thus, the evolutionary history of species with a p

SUBMITTER: Rodrigues-Junior AG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7789108 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature