Ecophysiology of Antarctic Vascular Plants: An Update on the Extreme Environment Resistance Mechanisms and Their Importance in Facing Climate Change

Abstract

Antarctic flowering plants have become enigmatic because of their unique capability to colonize Antarctica. It has been shown that there is not a single trait that makes Colobanthus quitensis and Deschampsia antarctica so special, but rather a set of morphophysiological traits that coordinately confer resistance to one of the harshest environments on the Earth. However, both their capacity to inhabit Antarctica and their uniqueness remain not fully explained from a biological point of view. These aspects have become more relevant due to the climatic changes already impacting Antarctica. This review aims to compile and update the recent advances in the ecophysiology of Antarctic vascular plants, deepen understanding of the mechanisms behind their notable resistance to abiotic stresses, and contribute to understanding their potential responses to environmental changes. The uniqueness of Antarctic plants has prompted research that emphasizes the role of leaf anatomical traits and cell wall properties in controlling water loss and CO2 exchange, the role of Rubisco kinetics traits in facilitating efficient carbon assimilation, and the relevance of metabolomic pathways in elucidating key processes such as gas exchange, nutrient uptake, and photoprotection. Climate change is anticipated to have significant and contrasting effects on the morphophysiological processes of Antarctic species. However, more studies in different locations outside Antarctica and using the latitudinal gradient as a natural laboratory to predict the effects of climate change are needed. Finally, we raise several questions that should be addressed, both to unravel the uniqueness of Antarctic vascular species and to understand their potential responses to climate change.

In Situ Accumulation of CaOx Crystals in C. quitensis Leaves and Its Relationship with Anatomy and Gas Exchange

“…Among the several mechanisms that C. quitensis deploys to overcome the harsh environmental conditions (see Ramirez et al (2024) [ 8 ] and references therein), a trait that has recently received attention is the significant presence of calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals in the leaves and the potential role of these structures in stress tolerance [ 9 ]. CaOx crystals are essential and multifunctional plant tools, their accumulation being exceptionally high in plants inhabiting harsh environments [ 10 ].…”

Transcriptional and structural analysis of non‐specific lipid transfer proteins modulated by fungal endophytes in Antarctic plants under drought

“…Recent studies have assessed strategies and mechanisms employed by D. antarctica to survive in this environment. However, there is limited knowledge about C. quitensis (Sáez et al, 2019;Gago et al, 2023;Ramírez et al 2024), and the underlying adaptive mechanisms enabling C. quitensis to endure the dry conditions of Antartica have not been conclusively determined yet.…”