Phenotypic variability and genetic differentiation in continental and island populations of Colobanthus quitensis (Caryophyllaceae: Antarctic pearlwort)

Cuba‐Díaz, Marely; Klagges, Macarena; Fuentes‐Lillo, Eduardo; Cordero, Cristian; Acuña, Daniela; Opazo, Genesis; Troncoso-Castro, José M.

doi:10.1007/s00300-017-2152-x

Cited by 8 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Therefore, in the present study, the types, morphology, and location of calcium oxalate crystals in the leaves of four C. quitensis populations (representing a latitudinal gradient from central Chile to Antarctica) were investigated in a common garden experiment. According to the literature, C. quitensis plants grown at low temperatures [ 21 ] or populations developed at higher latitudes [ 22 ] exhibit constitutively more dense leaves with higher CO 2 diffusion limitations. If this is the case, we would expect that populations developed at higher latitudes (lower average growth temperature and general harsher environmental conditions) would exhibit smaller and less abundant CaOx crystals than lower latitude populations in the middle of the photoperiod.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Calcium Oxalate Crystals in Leaves of the Extremophile Plant Colobanthus quitensis (Kunth) Bartl. (Caryophyllaceae)

Gómez-Espinoza

González-Ramírez

Méndez-Gómez

et al. 2021

Plants

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The presence of calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals has been widely reported in the plant kingdom. These structures play a central role in various physiological functions, including calcium regulation, metal detoxification, and photosynthesis. However, precise knowledge about their possible roles and functions in plants is still limited. Therefore, the present work aims to study the ecotypic variability of Colobanthus quitensis, an extremophile species, concerning CaOx crystal accumulation. The CaOx crystals were studied in leaves of C. quitensis collected from different provenances within a latitudinal gradient (From Andes mountains in central Chile to Antarctica) and grown under common garden conditions. Polarized light microscopy, digital image analysis, and electron microscopy were used to characterize CaOx crystals. The presence of CaOx crystals was confirmed in the four provenances of C. quitensis, with significant differences in the accumulation among them. The Andean populations presented the highest accumulation of crystals and the Antarctic population the lowest. Electron microscopy showed that CaOx crystals in C. quitensis are classified as druses based on their morphology. The differences found could be linked to processes of ecotypic differentiation and plant adaptation to harsh environments.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%