Abstract

It remains true that through its signaling mechanisms, Ca2+ also has specific, direct effects on plant metabolic activities, which are poorly understood due to the currently trendy pursuit of Ca2+ signaling studies. This paucity triggered us to examine the virtues of calcium nutrition by investigating carbohydrate metabolism using combinations of physiological and microscopy techniques in Ca2+ sufficient and Ca2+ starved grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.). Net photosynthesis was severely down-regulated in Ca2+ deficient vines, which paralleled with altered chloroplast ultrastructure and reduced chlorophyll concentration. Interestingly, the activities of Rubisco, sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), sucrose synthase (SS), and fructose-1, 6-bisphosphatase (FBPase) were elevated in Ca2+ deficient vines, while ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) and phosphoribulose kinase (PRK) activities were reduced. Since plants evolved adaptive mechanisms to cope up with lack or excess of nutrients, these metabolic changes in Ca2+ deficient and sufficient grapevines could be interpreted as acclimation reactions to establish optimal homeostasis. However, given the controversial nature of calcium’s multifunctionality, we need concrete evidence for this radical new paradigm.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.