Tropical Trees Breathe at Night to Survive Drought

Topic: Biology

Researchers led by Wolfram Weckwerth found how tropical trees use a special way of photosynthesis called CAM. They analyzed three Clusia species and discovered that ancient genome duplication helped create different forms of CAM. This discovery helps us understand how plants adapt to drought.

Plants have evolved many ways to turn sunlight into energy-rich sugars and oxygen through photosynthesis. But when water is scarce, this process becomes harder. Researchers from the University of Vienna wanted to know how a special type of photosynthesis called Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) evolved in tropical trees.

They studied three Clusia species: Clusia rosea, Clusia minor, and Clusia major. These trees live in hot and dry places where water is limited. The researchers compared the genomes of these trees to see how they use CAM differently.

The team found that all three Clusia species have ancient polyploid genomes. This means their DNA was copied many times in the past, allowing them to adapt to changing environments. Over time, these duplicated genes were reorganized and reshaped, creating different forms of CAM. The researchers also discovered that genes related to nocturnal CO2 storage in CAM metabolism are particularly affected.

The team then examined how these genetic differences affect the plants themselves. They monitored the trees throughout the day while varying the amount of water available. The three species showed strikingly different approaches to using CAM. Clusia rosea uses strong CAM and stores a lot of carbon dioxide as malic acid during the night, while Clusia minor mainly switches on CAM when it experiences stressful conditions.

Why It Matters

This discovery is important for India because many parts of the country are facing droughts and water scarcity. Understanding how plants adapt to these conditions can help us develop new ways to conserve water and grow crops in dry areas.

Key Facts

• Researchers from the University of Vienna studied three Clusia species: Clusia rosea, Clusia minor, and Clusia major.
• The trees use a special type of photosynthesis called Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) to survive drought.
• Ancient genome duplication helped create different forms of CAM in the Clusia species.
• The researchers found that genes related to nocturnal CO2 storage in CAM metabolism are particularly affected.
• Clusia rosea uses strong CAM and stores a lot of carbon dioxide as malic acid during the night.

Key Terms

Polyploid

A plant with extra copies of its DNA, allowing it to adapt to changing environments.

CAM photosynthesis

A special type of photosynthesis where plants absorb CO2 at night and store it as malic acid.

Implications

This discovery is important for India because many parts of the country are facing droughts and water scarcity. Understanding how plants adapt to these conditions can help us develop new ways to conserve water and grow crops in dry areas.