Exogenous γ-Aminobutyric Acid Improves the Structure and Function of Photosystem II in Muskmelon Seedlings Exposed to Salinity-Alkalinity Stress

Lixia Xiang; Lipan Hu; Weinan Xu; Ai Zhen; Liang Zhang; Xiaohui Hu

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0164847

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Exogenous γ-Aminobutyric Acid Improves the Structure and Function of Photosystem II in Muskmelon Seedlings Exposed to Salinity-Alkalinity Stress

Journal article

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Exogenous γ-Aminobutyric Acid Improves the Structure and Function of Photosystem II in Muskmelon Seedlings Exposed to Salinity-Alkalinity Stress

Lixia Xiang, Lipan Hu, Weinan Xu, Ai Zhen, Liang Zhang and Xiaohui Hu

PloS one, Vol.11(10), e0164847

2016

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0164847

PMID: 27764179

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Abstract

Adenosine Triphosphatases - metabolism

Chlorophyll - chemistry

Chloroplasts - drug effects

Chloroplasts - enzymology

Chloroplasts - ultrastructure

Cucumis melo - drug effects

Cucumis melo - metabolism

Fluorometry

gamma-Aminobutyric Acid - pharmacology

Photosynthesis - drug effects

Photosystem II Protein Complex - chemistry

Photosystem II Protein Complex - metabolism

Plant Proteins - metabolism

Salts - pharmacology

Seedlings - drug effects

Seedlings - metabolism

Stress, Physiological - drug effects

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is important in plant responses to environmental stresses. We wished to clarify the role of GABA in maintenance of photosynthesis in muskmelon seedlings (Cucumis melo L., cv. Yipintianxia) during saline-alkaline stress. To this end, we assessed the effect of GABA on the structure and function of the photosynthetic apparatus in muskmelon seedlings grown under saline-alkaline stress. These stresses in combination reduced net photosynthetic rate, gas-exchange, and inhibited photosystem II (PSII) electron transport as measured by the JIP-test. They also reduced the activity of chloroplast ATPases and disrupted the internal lamellar system of the thylakoids. Exogenous GABA alleviated the stress-induced reduction of net photosynthesis, the activity of chloroplast ATPases, and overcame some of the damaging effects of stress on the chloroplast structure. Based on interpretation of the JIP-test, we conclude that exogenous GABA alleviated stress-related damage on the acceptor side of PSII. It also restored energy distribution, the reaction center status, and enhanced the ability of PSII to repair reaction centers in stressed seedlings. GABA may play a crucial role in protecting the chloroplast structure and function of PSII against the deleterious effects of salinity-alkalinity stress.

Details

Title: Exogenous γ-Aminobutyric Acid Improves the Structure and Function of Photosystem II in Muskmelon Seedlings Exposed to Salinity-Alkalinity Stress
Authors/Creators: Lixia Xiang - Key Laboratory of Protected Horticultural Engineering in Northwest, Ministry of Agriculture, Shaanxi, Yangling, 712100, China
Lipan Hu - Key Laboratory of Protected Horticultural Engineering in Northwest, Ministry of Agriculture, Shaanxi, Yangling, 712100, China
Weinan Xu
Ai Zhen - Key Laboratory of Protected Horticultural Engineering in Northwest, Ministry of Agriculture, Shaanxi, Yangling, 712100, China
Liang Zhang - Key Laboratory of Protected Horticultural Engineering in Northwest, Ministry of Agriculture, Shaanxi, Yangling, 712100, China
Xiaohui Hu - Key Laboratory of Protected Horticultural Engineering in Northwest, Ministry of Agriculture, Shaanxi, Yangling, 712100, China
Publication Details: PloS one, Vol.11(10), e0164847
Publisher: Public Library of Science
Identifiers: 991005649369407891
Murdoch Affiliation: Food Futures Institute
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Citation topics: 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology; 3.4 Crop Science; 3.4.49 Plant Stress Responses
Web Of Science research areas: Plant Sciences
ESI research areas: Plant & Animal Science