Abstract
Plastoglobules (PGs) might be characterised as microdomains of the thylakoid membrane that serve as a platform to recruit proteins and metabolites in their spatial proximity in order to facilitate metabolic channelling or signal transduction. This study provides new insight into changes in PGs isolated from two plant species with different responses to chilling stress, namely chilling-tolerant pea (Pisum sativum) and chilling-sensitive bean (Phaseolus coccineus). Using multiple analytical methods, such as high-performance liquid chromatography and visualisation techniques including transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, we determined changes in PGs’ biochemical and biophysical characteristics as a function of chilling stress. Some of the observed alterations occurred in both studied plant species, such as increased particle size and plastoquinone-9 content, while others were more typical of a particular type of response to chilling stress. Additionally, PGs of first green leaves were examined to highlight differences at this stage of development. Observed changes appear to be a dynamic response to the demands of photosynthetic membranes under stress conditions.
Highlights
Plastoglobules (PGs) are lipoprotein particles present in various plastid types such as proplastids, chloroplasts and gerontoplasts [1]
The present paper examines plastoglobules isolated from first and mature leaves of two plant species with different chilling sensitivities—pea (Pisum sativum) and bean (Phaseolus coccineus)—both in control conditions and under chilling stress conditions commonly observed in nature
We provide evidence that plastoglobules play an active role in the response to chilling stress
Summary
Plastoglobules (PGs) are lipoprotein particles present in various plastid types such as proplastids, chloroplasts and gerontoplasts [1]. The diameter of these structures ranges from 30 nm to 5 μm and varies in different species and plastid types [1,2]. PGs are physically attached to the thylakoid membrane in the outer half of the thylakoid’s lipid bilayer, which surrounds the plastoglobules. The tight relationship between PGs and thylakoids enables an interchange of metabolites such as lipids and proteins [3,4]. The highly hydrophobic PG interior is enclosed by a membrane lipid monolayer studded with proteins
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