Title: Irradiance-induced changes in hydraulic architecture
Abstract:The ability to acclimate to a range of light regimes is important, given that shady understory habitats can receive only a fraction of the light available at the top of the canopy. Sun and shade leave...The ability to acclimate to a range of light regimes is important, given that shady understory habitats can receive only a fraction of the light available at the top of the canopy. Sun and shade leaves are known to differ in their set of biochemical and morphological characteristics. In recent years, much has also been learned about the effect of shade on xylem structure and function. Several studies found that shaded plants had narrower xylem conduits than plants growing in full sun. Among the most notable responses induced by shade is a shift of xylem vulnerability to cavitation. Shaded plants are typically more vulnerable to cavitation than plants exposed to full light. This appears to coincide with the construction of weaker intervessel and intertracheid pit membranes in shade. Before entering and after exiting the xylem, water moves through living cells in roots and leaves, respectively. This nonvascular pathway can be modified by aquaporins. Rapid changes in root and leaf hydraulic conductance in response to changes in light and transpirational demand have been described. The role of aquaporins in these responses is discussed.Read More
Publication Year: 2013
Publication Date: 2013-11-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 9
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