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Role of chlorophylls and carotenoids in seed tolerance to abiotic stressors

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Abstract

It is found that chlorophylls are not fully destructed during seed ripening and can be detected in appreciable quantities in physiologically mature seeds. The elevated content of residual chlorophylls reduces seed tolerance to abiotic stresses. The seed carotenoids were represented mainly by lutein and, in much smaller quantities, by β-carotene. Carotenoids were found to accumulate in seeds during accelerated aging and during seed germination at high temperatures. The ratio of carotenoid to chlorophyll content (Car/Chl) is proposed to be a measure of seed tolerance to stress factors. The seeds with elevated Car/Chl ratio were characterized by higher tolerance to stress treatments. It is supposed that the presence of chlorophylls in seeds enhances oxidative stress induced by abiotic stress factors. Carotenoids are considered as antioxidants protecting the seeds against oxidative stress.

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Abbreviations

te]AA:

accelerated aging

Car/Chl ratio:

the relative content of carotenoids with respect to chlorophyll content

CFI:

chlorophyll fluorescence intensity

Chl:

chlorophylls

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Plant Development, Department of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya nab. 7/9, St. Petersburg, 199034, Russia

    G. N. Smolikova

  2. Laboratory of Plant Growth and Development, Kuprevich Institute of Experimental Botany, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Minsk, Belarus

    N. A. Laman & O. V. Boriskevich

Authors
  1. G. N. Smolikova
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  2. N. A. Laman
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  3. O. V. Boriskevich
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Correspondence to G. N. Smolikova.

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Original Russian Text © G.N. Smolikova, N.A. Laman, O.V. Boriskevich, 2011, published in Fiziologiya Rastenii, 2011, Vol. 58, No. 6, pp. 817–825.

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Smolikova, G.N., Laman, N.A. & Boriskevich, O.V. Role of chlorophylls and carotenoids in seed tolerance to abiotic stressors. Russ J Plant Physiol 58, 965–973 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1134/S1021443711060161

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