2024 Vol. 42 No. 5
The pollen morphological characters of 22 species of the genus
"Resina Draconis", also known as "Dragon's Blood Resin" or "Yunnan Hongyao", is red resin produced by the trunks of
This study established 45 ecological monitoring plots in well-preserved natural forests within an altitudinal range of 400–1 800 m in the middle section of the Nanling Mountains. These plots were classified into four forest vegetation types based on elevation range and species composition. This study assessed the differences in dominant tree species and their niche characteristics along various altitudinal gradients by surveying key ecological niche parameters and evaluating the niche resource utilization hypothesis. Results indicated that: (1) Dominant species varied at different altitudes, with more pronounced differences in species composition observed at higher altitudinal differences; (2) In the evergreen broad-leaved dwarf forest at higher altitudes, dominant species exhibited a high degree of uniformity in resource requirements, accompanied by intense interspecific competition; (3) A weak positive correlation was found between the niche width of dominant species and their importance value, while a significant negative correlation was observed with the coefficient of variation of importance value. Although niche width was related to niche overlap and similarity, no clear pattern was established; (4) Species with higher importance values, larger niche widths, and smaller coefficients of variation included
The content of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) in different plant tissues reflects the energy allocation strategies within plant individuals. Understanding the dynamic changes in NSC under drought stress can provide insights into how plants manage resource distribution in drought conditions. In this study, two psammophyte species from southeastern Xizang (
The sugar will eventually be exported transporters (SWEET) are a recently discovered group of sugar transporters in plants, which play important roles in various physiological processes, such as plant growth, development, and abiotic and biotic stress. This study aimed to characterize the
MADS-box genes play an important role in plant growth and development, especially in processes such as floral organ formation, flowering time regulation, and fruit development and ripening. Based on whole-genome sequencing data of
Phytocyanins (PCs) are a class of plant-specific typeⅠsmall-molecule blue-copper proteins involved in regulating plant growth, development, and stress responses. Despite their importance, functional analysis of PC proteins remains limited, and their molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. This review examines the structural features, classification, and expression patterns of PC proteins. In addition, it summarizes recent advancements in the study of PC proteins, focusing on their roles in plant growth, development, and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Unresolved issues and challenges in PC research are also discussed. This work aims to provide a theoretical reference for understanding the molecular mechanisms of PC proteins and for breeding stress-resistant crop cultivars.
Spatial metabolomics is an emerging research technology that integrates mass spectrometry imaging and metabolomics to analyze the structure, concentration, and spatial distribution of endogenous metabolites within biological tissues. This approach enables the acquisition of both known and unknown metabolite information at high spatial resolution, allowing for precise localization within tissues. It is crucial for elucidating the synthesis, accumulation, and regulation of plant metabolites. This article reviews the current research status of spatial metabolomics technology, with a focus on cutting-edge applications in plant tissue research. Special attention is given to its potential and challenges in the field of single-cell plant studies, aiming to provide new avenues for studying plant growth and development and regulating spatial metabolic networks. Additionally, this technology offers crucial insights for solving problems in agricultural production, plant-based energy development, and other fields.
Plant sex differentiation is influenced by a combination of genetic factors, phytohormones, and environmental conditions. Sex chromosomes and sex-determining genes play a central role in regulating the development of male and female reproductive organs. Phytohormones are also key regulators in the process of plant sex differentiation, while various environmental factors impact the expression of plant sex. This paper reviews the current research on sex differentiation in higher plants, focusing on genetic determinants, phytohormonal regulation, and environmental factors. The aim of this review is to provide a reference for further in-depth study of plant sex regulation networks.
As important components in aquatic ecosystems, submerged macrophytes can alleviate nitrogen load and improve the healthy operation of ecosystems through direct and indirect ways. Nitrogen utilization strategies of submerged macrophytes differ significantly from those of terrestrial plants. Submerged macrophytes can uptake nitrogen not only from the overlying water, but also from pore water in sediments via above-ground and below-ground parts, respectively. To adapt to the various changes in nitrogen content in aquatic environments, submerged macrophytes exhibit two directions of nitrogen translocation, namely acropetal and basipetal translocation. To avoid the toxicity caused by high nitrogen concentrations, a trade-off exists in nitrogen utilization between the above- and below-ground parts of submerged macrophytes. The GS/GOGAT cycle and GDH pathway are the primary pathways for nitrogen assimilation in submerged macrophytes. Currently, research on submerged macrophytes lags far behind that on terrestrial plants. Further exploration of the mechanisms underlying nitrogen utilization in submerged macrophytes is still needed and a suitable genetic transformation system of submerged macrophytes is required. Molecular technologies such as gene editing can be used to identify gene function, which should promote further studies on the structure and function of key proteins.
The deep valleys in southwestern China experience a dry, hot climate and support savanna-like vegetation, largely shaped by the “foehn” effect. This vegetation is primarily dominated by grasses, interspersed with scattered shrubs and trees, resembling the physiognomy of savannas in other parts of the world. The savanna-like ecosystem hosts a rich diversity of species adapted to the dry, hot valley habitat, including many local endemic plants. In terms of life forms, phanerophytes dominate, accounting for 48.0% of the total species, while hemicryptophytes account for 23.3%. Regarding leaf characteristics, microphyllous and nanophyllous plants represent 42.5% and 20.6% of the total, respectively; among tree species, 39.3% have compound leaves, reflecting adaptations to arid habitats. The flora in the hot, dry valleys of southwest China are generally dominated by tropical elements, but are influenced by regional geological history and geography. Floristic similarity between the Jinshajiang and Yuanjiang river valleys is high, with 73.8% and 53.8% at the genus and species levels, respectively, representing the greatest similarity among the hot, dry valleys. The origin and evolution of this flora are closely related to major geological events in Yunnan since the Tertiary, including uplift of the Himalayas. Some species exhibit floristic affinities with the savannas of India and Africa, supporting the hypothesis that the Indian plate separated from Africa, collided with Asia, and transported African plants to the continent. The high generic similarity between the Jinshajiang and Yuanjiang river valleys supports the river capture hypothesis. In contrast, the savanna-like vegetation in the Nujiang River valley is dominated by tropical floristic elements, which is likely related to the northward push of the Indian plate into the Asian plate and the subsequent northward shift of northern Myanmar. These geological events help explain the floristic composition, characteristics, and distribution patterns of the savanna-like vegetation in the dry, hot valleys of southwestern China.