Chemical Modifications Influence Genetic Information: The Role of Cytosine (De)Methylation in Plant Stress Responses
Page: 1-31 (31)
Author: José Ribamar Costa Ferreira Neto, Jéssica Vieira Viana, Artemisa Nazaré Costa Borges, Manassés Daniel da Silva, Ederson Akio Kido, Valesca Pandolfi and Ana Maria Benko-Iseppon*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815179699124010004
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Genetic information is fundamental in biology. It is stored in all genomes,
crucial to generating and maintaining a new organism. The biological importance of
DNA lies in its role as a carrier of genetic information and how it is expressed under
specific conditions. Among the different ways of controlling the manifestation of
genomic information (or gene expression), epigenetic mechanisms have been
highlighted. These mechanisms are diverse, multifunctional, and profoundly affect the
plant's molecular physiology. Cytosine methylation and demethylation - one of the
best-studied epigenetic mechanisms - is a dynamic process that influences,
respectively, the down- and up-regulation of target genes. The referred chemical
modifications occur in response to developmental processes and environmental
variations, and have their biological value accentuated as they can be passed on to
subsequent generations. This inheritance mechanism conducts ‘states of gene
expression’ to new cells and even to the offspring, allowing them to be ‘more adequate’
to the changing environment. The possibility of inheriting such chemical modifications
defies our understanding of the hereditary process, opening new perceptions and
practical implications. This chapter aims to address the cytosine methylation and
demethylation effects in plants. In the present review, we deal with how cytosine
(de)methylation occurs in plant genomes, their participation in the biotic and abiotic
stress responses, the recent studies for its use in crop breeding, and the epigenetic
inheritance issue, which is a matter of intense debate.
Microbial Dynamics within Rhizosphere: An Aspect to Agricultural Sustainability
Page: 32-70 (39)
Author: Kanika Khanna*, Nandni Sharma, Jaspreet Kour, Arun Dev Singh, Shalini Dhiman, Tamanna Bhardwaj, Kamini Devi, Neerja Sharma, Sandeep Kour, Puja Ohri and Renu Bhardwaj
DOI: 10.2174/9789815179699124010005
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Numerous anthropogenic activities, such as novel agricultural practices, coal
mining, industrial pollution, etc., pose a negative impact on the environment. Such
factors cause the accumulation of different pollutants within the ecosystem, ultimately
hampering the plants as well as animals. However, plants possess a series of
physiological as well as molecular mechanisms for defense and resistance. The global
population has posed a significant food challenge, therefore, to ensure food security,
soil nutrition, agricultural productivity as well as fertility, different sustainable aspects
should be kept in mind. Chemical fertilizers dilapidate the ecological balance along
with human health, henceforth the microflora present in the rhizosphere acts as
quintessential elements. Microbes such as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and
mycorrhizae have been formulated as biofertilizers in agriculture that enhance their
nutrient uptake as well as yield, along with providing resistance against different
stressors. Biofertilizers have been shown to provide a positive outcome for plants,
therefore, an array of microbial strains have been selected and formulated to be used in
the agricultural sector. These are based on rhizobacterial species, endophytes, and
mycorrhizae. Regardless of the challenges observed in the production, usage, and
application, these have been proven to be the exclusive alternatives for chemical-based
fertilizers. Therefore, their elaborate understanding will offer new approaches to
sustainable agriculture. Biofertilizers not only boost crop yield and soil fertility but also
interact with plants to trigger their immune systems, physiological processes, growth,
and development. They also enable solubilization of essential nutrients such as
nitrogen, phosphorous, zinc, potassium, and silica that promote plant growth. Most
importantly, they are cost-effective, toxin-free, eco-friendly, and serve as the best
alternative for chemical fertilizers. In this chapter, we have highlighted the microbial dynamics within the rhizospheric zone and its significance in agriculture by its usage as
biofertilizers for sustainable crop production.
The Role of Terpenoids in Plant Development and Stress Tolerance
Page: 71-98 (28)
Author: Fatima El Amerany*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815179699124010006
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Plant terpenoids and their precursors, terpenes, are among the most
important classes of plant secondary metabolites that have provoked increased interest
regarding their application in the medical field to treat different health issues.
Additionally, terpenoids are known to play a crucial role in many different plant
processes, such as photosynthesis, root growth, flower production, fruit set, and plant
interaction with the environment. A plant can produce different kinds of terpenoids
with diverse structures and functions. These compounds are usually liberated in the
atmosphere in the form of flavors or fragrance compounds or stored in plant organs,
such as glandular trichomes. Due to increased water scarcity, salt stress, mineral
deficit, temperature level, and pathogens resistance, it has become difficult to provide
natural conditions for the development of some plant species, which has led to a
shortage in levels of some naturally occurring compounds, such as terpenoids. So, to
reduce the alteration of terpenoid production, some strategies have been recently
applied, like metabolic engineering and applying biofertilizers. Thus, this chapter will
define the different classes of terpenoids produced by plants, their metabolic pathways,
and their roles in plant development and physiology, nodule formation, mycorrhizal
symbiosis, wounding healing, and plant defense as well as recent advances regarding
the increase in the accumulation of terpenoids through metabolic engineering and
exogenous application of natural substances.
Phytoremediation Potential of Medicinal Plants to Relieve Pollutant Stress
Page: 99-115 (17)
Author: Swarnavo Chakraborty and Aryadeep Roychoudhury*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815179699124010007
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
With the rise in rampant anthropogenic activities, the contamination of the
environment due to heavy metals is increasing at an alarming rate. This poses a serious
threat to both the plant and animal world, including poor human health and disturbed
crop physiology and yield. Heavy metal pollution commonly leads to oxidative stress
in sensitive plants, thereby altering the entire homeostasis within the plant system.
Therefore, plants have evolved certain regulatory circuits for combating the resulting
stress ensuing from the excess concentration of heavy metals in the soil. Certain plants
have the immense potential to accumulate such heavy metals, followed by their
detoxification via a range of mechanisms, inherent to the plant system. This process is
commonly referred to as phytoremediation, which is an efficient, cost-effective and
sustainable approach for the rejuvenation of contaminated soil. In present times,
medicinal plants are not only exploited as a source of different traditionally available
medicines, but have also displayed the immense capacity of cleaning up heavy metalcontaminated soil and serve as sinks for the toxic effects of heavy metals to clean up
the environment. The present chapter, therefore, focuses on medicinal plants as
potential phytoremediation agents.
LEA Proteins in Plant Cellular Stress Tolerance: Insights and Implications
Page: 116-146 (31)
Author: Rajesh Subramanian*, Subashree Sambandham, Likhith Rampura Kumar Swamy, Nandhini Umaiya Pandi, Dhivya Karunamurthy and Ramesh Shunmugiah Veluchamy
DOI: 10.2174/9789815179699124010008
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Plants, throughout their life cycle, are exposed to vagaries of biotic and
abiotic stresses. To alleviate the stresses, plants have developed different molecular
response systems. One such response is the high-level accumulation of Late
Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA) proteins, a group of hydrophilic proteins encoded by
a set of genes during seed dehydration, at the late stage of embryogenesis. These
proteins are reported not just in plants, but also in algae, bacteria, and nematodes. LEA
proteins are reported to play a versatile role in stress tolerance. This chapter discusses
the classification, distribution, characterization, and functions of LEA proteins and
their implications for plant stress tolerance.
Insights into Physiological and Molecular Responses of Plants under Metal-Nanoparticle Stresses
Page: 147-173 (27)
Author: Sneha Tripathi, Samarth Sharma, Shubhangi Suri, Kavita Tiwari, Durgesh Kumar Tripathi and Shivesh Sharma*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815179699124010009
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
In a natural system, plants are experienced adverse effects of continuously
changing climatic conditions and various types of stress throughout their life in which
abiotic stresses are the major constraints that affect the growth and development of
plants. Metal-based nanoparticles are emerging as a new pollutant of concern because
of their widespread application in consumer products, which pose new challenges to
the environment due to their complex interaction and possible toxic effects on plants.
Plants absorb these metal nanoparticles (MNPs) from the soil along with other minerals
and nutrients. Nanoparticles cause phytotoxicity by adversely affecting plants at the
morphological, biochemical, physiological, and molecular levels. Various MNPs alter
growth, yield, photosynthesis, and mineral nutrient uptake and induce oxidative stress,
cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity in plants. Although plants have evolved various
mechanisms to cope with nanoparticles-induced stress. Coordinated activities of
antioxidants, some key regulatory genes and proteins regulate cellular function under
stress conditions. Understanding the interaction of MNPs with plants and elucidating
the behavior of genes and proteins in response to NPs stressors could lead to the
development of novel approaches to mitigate stress which will support agricultural
production. In this chapter, nanoparticle-induced physiological and molecular
responses and tolerance mechanisms in plants against the mechanistic action of
nanoparticles were described.
Inoculation of Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria Aiming to Improve Rice Tolerance to Abiotic Stressful Conditions
Page: 174-210 (37)
Author: Emílio Berghahn, Thainá Inês Lamb, Rosana Keil, Leonardo de Oliveira Neves, Camille Eichelberger Granada and Raul Antonio Sperotto*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815179699124010010
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Rice is one of the most important cereals, as it feeds over half of the world's
population. Rice production is limited by different abiotic stresses, which would
probably worsen with climate change. Also, we must expect a rapid increase in food
demand. Therefore, there is an urgent need for innovative agricultural technologies able
to increase cereal amounts without increasing arable lands. The inoculation of plant
growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) from paddy soil can improve plant response to
abiotic stresses; however, the mechanisms involved in such protective response are
largely unknown. The current chapter comprehensively analyses and presents the state-of-the-art inoculation of selected PGPB aiming to improve rice tolerance to abiotic
stress conditions. Different plant responses at the molecular, biochemical,
physiological, and agronomical levels will also be appraised. This summary can
stimulate the producers to inoculate rice plants, contributing to rice production in
abiotic stress-impacted regions.
Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR): A Credible Tool for Sustainable Agriculture
Page: 211-250 (40)
Author: Tamanna Bhardwaj*, Kanika Khanna, Pooja Sharma, Shalini Dhiman, Mohd Ibrahim, Upma Arora, Priyanka Sharma, Indu Sharma, Priya Arora, Ashutosh Sharma, Rupinder Kaur, Bilal Ahmad Mir, Puja Ohri and Renu Bhardwaj
DOI: 10.2174/9789815179699124010011
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Modern agricultural practices rely on the excessive use of chemical
fertilizers to increase crop yields to meet the growing population's demand. It has
exploited the inherent biological potential of soil and plant systems. Sustainable
agricultural practices focus on equal attention to soil and plant health. Plant growthpromoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) serve the plants by combating abiotic and biotic
stressors in the environment. These microorganisms aid plants in multiple ways by
colonizing the plant roots. They work effectively as biofertilizers and as biocontrol
agents and help in fostering plant growth through either direct (potassium and
phosphorous solubilization, siderophore production, nitrogen fixation) or indirect
(production of VOCs, antibiotics, lytic enzymes) mechanisms. To upgrade their
application to agro-ecosystems, modern technologies are being worked out. These aim
at improving the efficacy of PGPR and uplifting agricultural sustainability. Therefore,
in this book chapter, the role and mechanism of PGPR as soil health boosters and plant
growth enhancers were discussed. Further, it sheds light on recent developments made
to strongly present PGPR as a potent candidate for green agriculture.
ATP Binding Cassette (ABC) Transporters in Plant Development and Defense
Page: 251-269 (19)
Author: Sheeba Naaz, Nadeem Ahmad and M. Irfan Qureshi*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815179699124010012
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
ABC transporters (ATP-binding cassette transporters) are dynamic proteins
found in both types of organisms, prokaryotes and eukaryotes. They play pivotal roles
in the transportation of various substances along cellular membranes by utilizing ATPs.
ABC transporters consist of four domains: two NBDs with highly conserved motifs and
two TMDs. They have a large diverse family, which is grouped into 8 subfamilies (A,
B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I), though the H subfamily is not found in plants. ABC transporters
are well-defined for transporting xenobiotic compounds, secondary metabolites,
phytohormones, toxic heavy metal ions, chlorophyll catabolites, lipids, and drugs
across cellular membranes. Importantly, several kinds of ABC transporters
investigation discovered their functions in plant growth, development, and defense.
Commonly localized on plasma membranes, they are also found on the membranes of
vacuoles and various cellular organelles. Under stress, these are known to contribute to
various physiological, developmental, and metabolic processes by helping plants adapt.
Initially, they were recognized as tonoplast intrinsic transporters, but now they are
well-known in cellular detoxification mechanisms which protect plants and maintain
homeostasis. This chapter presents a comprehensive account of the roles of ABC
transporters with insights into molecular and physiological leading to stress tolerance.
How can Endophytic Bacteria Benefit Agronomically Important Plants by Protecting Against Pathogens?
Page: 270-300 (31)
Author: Cleyson P. Serrão, Lorene B. A. Tadaiesky and Cláudia R. B. de Souza*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815179699124010013
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
The use of endophytic bacteria is an emerging trend in agriculture since they
can promote plant growth under normal conditions and abiotic and biotic stresses. In
this regard, endophytic bacteria have been used to deal with the consequences of the
climate crisis in global crops, as alternatives to ecologically unsustainable chemical
pesticides and fertilizers. These bacteria can benefit plant growth by direct
mechanisms, such as hormone production and nutrient solubilization, and indirect
mechanisms, which involve protecting the plant against pathogens and suppressing
disease. Thus, this chapter aims to present the main mechanisms of plant growth
promotion by endophytic bacteria, focusing on the genetic and physiological processes
of biocontrol of pathogen growth and induction of systemic plant resistance. Genome
sequencing data from endophytic bacteria provide information about genes involved in
the synthesis of enzymes and antimicrobial compounds, such as siderophores and
hydrocyanic acid, among others. Furthermore, genetic pathways involved in plant
response induction were characterized using sequencing experiments and differential
RNA expression analysis. Jasmonic acid and salicylic acid biosynthesis genes are
differentially expressed in response to plant interaction with endophytic bacteria.
Therefore, data from the most current methodologies of genetic and molecular analysis
will be condensed here to provide an overview to respond to the question that heads the
chapter.
Sustainability of Agriculture and Global Food Supply Using Advanced Molecular Tools and Integrated Multi-omics and Gene Functions
Page: 301-333 (33)
Author: Neerja Sharma*, Pardeep Kumar, Mohd Ibrahim, Isha Madaan, Neha, Shruti Kaushik, Savita Bhardwaj, Dhriti Kapoor, Geetika Sirhindi, Amrit Pal Singh and Renu Bhardwaj
DOI: 10.2174/9789815179699124010014
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Food security has become the biggest challenge today due to the burgeoning
population and environmental impacts on crops. The agriculture system needs to meet
the food demand by using appropriate sustainable approaches while exerting minimum
impact on the ecosystem. Multiomics is one of the successful sustainable technologies
that contribute toward crop improvement and acceleration in food production.
Progressive development in next-generation sequencing for various omics like
genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, ionomics and phenomics have
provided desired genetic resources for crop improvement. With the development of
molecular technology, new breeding tools are used for the transfer of genes from one
species to another. Biotic and abiotic stress-resistant traits are incorporated in
cultivating varieties to make them superior and produce a good yield. This chapter
solely summarizes the development of new traits with the help of new breeding tools
such as TALENs and CRISPR in plant breeding. The high throughput multi-omics
techniques are not only applicable for enhancing agricultural growth and yield but also
helpful in refining food security.
Introduction
Molecular and Physiological Insights into Plant Stress Tolerance and Applications in Agriculture Part 2 is an edited volume that presents research on plant stress responses at both molecular and physiological levels. This volume builds on the previous volume to provide additional knowledge in studies on the subject. Key Features - Explains aspects of plant genetics central to research such as the role of cytosine methylation and demethylation in plant stress responses, and the importance of epigenetic genetics in regulating plant stress responses. - Explores how Late Embryogenesis Abundant proteins affect plant cellular stress tolerance with an emphasis on their molecular mechanisms and potential implications. - Focuses on beneficial microorganisms including rhizobacteria, endophytes, and mycorrhizal fungi, which are expected to be alternative fertilizers with the advantages of being cost-effective, toxin-free, and eco-friendly. - Highlights the potential use of endophytic bacteria for protecting crops against pathogens - Presents an in-depth analysis of the molecular level to understand the impact of ATP-binding cassette transporters on plant defense mechanisms with a discussion of the potential anti-pathogenic agents based on terpenes and terpenoids. The content of the book is aimed at addressing UN SDG goals 2, 12, and 15 to achieve zero hunger and responsible consumption and production, and to sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, respectively. This comprehensive resource is suitable for researchers, students, teachers, agriculturists, and readers in plant science, and allied disciplines.