The study of plant adaptation to oxygen deficiency in Saint Petersburg University

Abstract

The first studies on plant anaerobiosis started at the Department of Plant Physiology at St. Petersburg University in the beginning of the 20 th century, but interest in this subject became most intensive during the investigations of the ecological plant physiology group under the supervision of Prof. T. V. Chirkova. Their first step was focused on the mechanisms of transport of gases from the aerated aboveground part of the plant to the flooded root system. Further interest shifted towards clarifying the biochemistry of respiratory metabolism, pathways of reoxidation of the reduced cofactors, and protein and lipid metabolism of plants under anoxic conditions. The group's studies have always distinguished the comparative approach, in which the changes taking place in plants differing in resistance to oxygen deficiency were analyzed. In many ways, this research was pioneering and was recognized throughout the world. For the first time the possibility of hydrogen peroxide formation in plants under total anoxia was demonstrated. The role of cell membranes in adaptation processes was revealed. Pioneering investigations distinguished the features of photosynthesis in an oxygen-free environment and the work of an antioxidant system under conditions of anoxia and post-anoxic oxidative effects. Now, the plant ecophysiology group of the Department of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry of St. Petersburg State University concentrates on the mechanisms of anaerobic signal transduction and reveals how plant hormones regulate adaptation to anoxic and post-anoxic stresses.

Effect of Climate Change on Rice

“…The flooded environment, created during rice cultivation, provides anaerobic conditions that favor CH 4 production by methanogens [39]. A study concluded that anaerobic conditions affect glycolysis promoting ethanol and lactate production through ethanolic fermentation pathway [40]. In a study, it is mentioned about the toxicity of ethanol since it can diffuse out of the cell and results in the formation of acetaldehyde as a toxic intermediate [41].…”

Indoleacetic Acid Levels in Wheat and Rice Seedlings under Oxygen Deficiency and Subsequent Reoxygenation

“…Higher plants strongly depend on ambient oxygen concentration. The plant facilities to survive oxygen deprivation have been studied for decades [3][4][5][6][7]. Partial (hypoxia) or complete lack of oxygen (anoxia) characterizes both natural and agricultural ecosystems and has a serious economic impact [8,9].…”

“…The first one is based on a rapid shoot growth, hyponastic bending of leaves, formation of aerenchyma, initiation of adventitious roots, and alteration of leaf anatomy to improve the diffusion of gases, etc. [4][5][6]. This is a strategy to avoid oxygen deprivation by facilitating gas exchange between the submerged and aerated organs of plant.…”

“…This is a strategy to avoid oxygen deprivation by facilitating gas exchange between the submerged and aerated organs of plant. The quiescent strategy consists of fast growth termination and redirection of stored energy and carbohydrates in order to survive in an oxygen-deficient environment and enables growth recovery when normoxic conditions are restored [4][5][6]. ATP generated due to starch mobilization, glycolysis, and fermentation is used predominantly for the synthesis of proteins involved in energy metabolism, membrane transport, elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and chaperone activity [5][6][7]9].…”

“…The reestablishment of normal oxygen levels in the natural environment after hypoxia or anoxia provokes intensive oxidative damage to plants affecting growth and survival. Fast reentry of oxygen leads to an oxidation of reduced intermediate and end-products that accumulate during preceding anoxia, soil toxins, overproduction of ROS and other toxic oxidative products [6,12,42].…”