Why in the news?
Scientists from Nagoya University have made a discovery about the regulation of Stomatal opening in plants, a process vital for efficient photosynthesis by a type of amino acid threonine (Thr881).
What are Stomatal Openings?
- Stomata are microscopic pores on plant leaves crucial for gas exchange.
- They particularly uptake carbon dioxide necessary for photosynthesis.
How does Light make Stomata Open?
- Research unveiled a novel regulatory mechanism involving the phosphorylation of the 881st threonine residue (Thr881) of the plasma membrane proton pump in response to red and blue light.
- Phosphorylation, a process involving the addition or removal of a phosphate group from amino acids, acts as a regulatory switch, influencing protein structure and function.
- The researchers focused on the phosphorylation of Thr881 and its role in stomatal opening.
- They observed phosphorylation in response to both red and blue light conditions, highlighting the interplay between photosynthesis and light signaling.
Significance of Thr881 Phosphorylation
- Mutant studies confirmed the critical role of Thr881 phosphorylation in stomatal opening.
- Plants expressing a mutant proton pump lacking Thr881 phosphorylation exhibited reduced stomatal aperture and transpiration rates, emphasizing the regulatory significance of this amino acid residue.
- The study identified Thr881, along with Thr948, as crucial phosphorylation sites for the activation of the enzyme H+-ATPase, essential for stomatal opening.
- Manipulating Thr881 could offer avenues for promoting plant growth, enhancing carbon dioxide absorption, and reducing fertilizer usage.
PYQ:2014: Which one of the following is the process involved in photosynthesis? a)Â Â Â Potential energy is released to form free energy b)Â Â Â Free energy is converted into potential energy and stored c)Â Â Â Food is oxidized to release carbon dioxide and water d)Â Â Â Oxygen is taken, and carbon dioxide and water vapour are given out
Practice MCQ:What is the significance of phosphorylation of the threonine residue (Thr881) in the context of plants? a)Â Â Â It helps in reducing carbon dioxide uptake and photosynthesis efficiency. b)Â Â Â It enhances photosynthesis in dark conditions. c)Â Â Â It reduces transpiration leading to enhanced water conservation. d)Â Â Â It is essential for regulating stomatal aperture and facilitating gas exchange in plants. |
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