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Changes in photosynthetic capacity and polypeptide patterns during natural senescence and rejuvenation of Cucurbita pepo L. (zucchini) cotyledons

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Abstract

Natural senescence of Cucurbita pepo (zucchini) cotyledons was accompanied by a gradual degradation of reserve proteins (globulins) and an intensive decrease in the content of both large subunit (LSU) and small subunit (SSU) of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco). The net photosynthetic rate, the primary photochemical activity of PSII, estimated by the variable fluorescence (Fv)/maximal fluorescence (Fm) ratio (Fv/Fm) and the actual quantum yield of PSII electron transport in the light-adapted state (ΦPSII) also progressively decreased during natural senescence. In contrast, the fraction of the absorbed light energy, which is not used for photochemistry (LNU) increased with progression of senescence. The decline in the photosynthetic rate started earlier in ontogenesis compared with the down-regulation of the functional activity of PSII, thus suggesting the existence of protective mechanisms which maintain higher efficiency of the photochemical electron transport reactions of photosynthesis compared with the dark reactions of the Calvin cycle during earlier stages of natural senescence. Decapitation of the epicotyl above the senescing cotyledons resulted in full recovery of the polypeptide profile in the rejuvenated cotyledons. In addition, the photosynthetic rate increased reaching values that exceeded those measured in juvenile cotyledons. The photochemical efficiency of PSII also gradually recovered, although it did not reach the maximum values measured in the presenescent cotyledons.

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Abbreviations

PSII:

Photosystem II

ΦPSII:

The actual quantum yield of PSII electron transport in the light-adapted state

LSU:

The large subunit of Rubisco

LNU:

Light not used for photochemistry

PMSF:

Phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride

rbcS :

Gene coding for the small subunit of Rubisco

Rubisco:

Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase

SAG:

Senescence associated genes

SSU:

The small subunit of Rubisco

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Science Fund at the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science (Grant № K-1403/2004 and project PISA—INI14/01.09.2005).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Acad. M. Popov Institute of Plant Physiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev str., bl. 21, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria

    Kalina Ananieva, Kiril Mishev & Katya Georgieva

  2. Department of Plant Physiology, Faculty of Biology, St. Kl. Ohridsky University of Sofia, 8 Dragan Tsankov bld, 1164, Sofia, Bulgaria

    Evguéni D. Ananiev

  3. University of Forestry, 10 Kliment Ohridscky av, 1756, Sofia, Bulgaria

    Nikolina Tzvetkova

  4. Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa

    Johannes Van Staden

Authors
  1. Kalina Ananieva
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  2. Evguéni D. Ananiev
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  3. Kiril Mishev
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  4. Katya Georgieva
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  5. Nikolina Tzvetkova
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  6. Johannes Van Staden
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Correspondence to Kalina Ananieva.

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Ananieva, K., Ananiev, E.D., Mishev, K. et al. Changes in photosynthetic capacity and polypeptide patterns during natural senescence and rejuvenation of Cucurbita pepo L. (zucchini) cotyledons. Plant Growth Regul 54, 23–29 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10725-007-9223-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10725-007-9223-x

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