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Fatty acid unsaturation, mobilization, and regulation in the response of plants to stress

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Abstract

Stress acclimating plants respond to abiotic and biotic stress by remodeling membrane fluidity and by releasing α-linolenic (18:3) from membrane lipids. The modification of membrane fluidity is mediated by changes in unsaturated fatty acid levels, a function provided in part by the regulated activity of fatty acid desaturases. Adjustment of membrane fluidity maintains an environment suitable for the function of critical integral proteins during stress. α-Linolenic acid, released from membrane lipid by regulated lipase activity, is the precursor molecule for phyto-oxylipin biosynthesis. The modulation of chloroplast oleic acid (18:1) levels is central to the normal expression of defense responses to pathogens in Arabidopsis. Oleic (18:1) and linolenic (18:2) acid levels, in part, regulate development, seed colonization, and mycotoxin production by Aspergillus spp.

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  1. Soybean & Nitrogen Fixation Unit, USDA-ARS, Raleigh, NC, USA

    Robert G. Upchurch

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Upchurch, R.G. Fatty acid unsaturation, mobilization, and regulation in the response of plants to stress. Biotechnol Lett 30, 967–977 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10529-008-9639-z

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