Abstract
Water deficiency is the most significant abiotic stress factor for land plants. Most plants are unable to survive desiccation to the air dry state. There are however a few species from lower plant groups to flowering plants that tolerate desiccation known as resurrection plants. So, the present investigation was undertaken tostudy the biochemical changes in Pileamicrophylla against desiccation (1, 3, 5 and 7 days) and rehydration (30 min) stress. As an initial part of the study total sugar, protein and proline content were analyzed and showed a gradual decline during the stress periods. The SDS-PAGE analysis of protein indicated thedisapperance of certain bands in the desiccated and rehydrated samples (7D) when compared to the control indicating the denaturation of proteins during stress. Similarly, the appearance of new bands (15kDa on 3D and 20 and 17kDa on the 5D) were noticed suggesting the formation of stress related proteins to tide over desiccation. The amount of free amino acids increased in P. microphylla, in pace with desiccation periods. Constitutive increase in the level of proline (the stress amino acid) accumulation is seen when compared with the control i.e., 6 fold higher than that of the control, after exposed to desiccation for 5 D. Increase in proline level relating to exposure time of desiccation stress suggests its role as osmolyte. Similarly, a reduction in chlorophyll level and an increase in carotenoid were also observed during stress. Decrease of total chlorophyll content was observed with duration of desiccation. The decrease in chlorophyll a and b was recovered during rehydration up to 5 D. Further studies are warranted at molecular level in terms of stress proteins and genes involved in desiccation tolerance in this plant.
Highlights
Most of the crop plants are sensitive to desiccation or drought
The amount of free amino acids increased in P. microphylla, in pace with desiccation periods
Decrease of total chlorophyll content was observed with increasing duration of desiccation
Summary
Except a small group of vascular angiosperm plants, termed resurrection plants They have evolved unique mechanisms of desiccation tolerance and can tolerate severe water loss, and mostly adjust their water content with the relative humidity in the environment. They have the unique ability to survive months to years without water, lose most of the free water in their vegetative tissues, fall into anabiosis and upon rewatering, quickly regain normal activity. Direct sunlight causes the leaves to turn brown and fall off, so it prefers filtered light
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