Repository logo
 

A new woody perspective on copper homeostasis: systemic copper transport and distribution, effect of copper on lignification, and water transport in hybrid poplar

Simple item page
dc.contributor.authorHunter, Cameron Ross, author
dc.contributor.authorPilon, Marinus, advisor
dc.contributor.authorGleason, Sean, advisor
dc.contributor.authorPilon-Smits, Elizabeth, committee member
dc.contributor.authorArgueso, Cristiana, committee member
dc.contributor.authorBush, Daniel, committee member
dc.date.accessioned2022-05-30T10:22:34Z
dc.date.available2022-05-30T10:22:34Z
dc.date.issued2022
dc.description.abstractCopper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient for plants. Chapter 1, as background for this dissertation, reviews the functions and homeostasis of Cu. We know at the cellular level how Cu is delivered to target proteins in the chloroplasts, thus explaining in a large part why Cu deficient plants have reduced photosynthetic capacity. However, Cu is also a cofactor of lignin polymerization enzymes that affect cell wall and xylem structures required for water and mineral transport. How Cu deficiency affects water transport, mineral nutrition, and photosynthesis at a whole plant level is underexplored. To address this knowledge gap, we used hybrid white poplar as a model. In chapter 2, a stable isotope method to trace Cu movement in poplar tissues was coupled with analysis of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance. Upon resupply of Cu, priority targets identified were stems and younger leaves which recovered quickly and was associated with higher stomatal conductance. In chapter 3, the effect of Cu deficiency on the elemental composition of leaves and stems of different age were analyzed. Interestingly, tissue type and age, as well as Cu deficiency, were found to all significantly affect within-plant nutrient partitioning patterns. In chapter 4, the effects of Cu deficiency on cell wall chemical composition and water transport traits were determined. Although Cu deficiency strongly affected cell wall chemistry, it did not significantly impact hydraulic capacity nor the density and size of xylem vessels in stems. However, Cu deficiency resulted in markedly stiffer mesophyll cell walls, possibly arising from changes to cell wall chemistry or structure. Together, these results, as discussed in chapter 5, indicate that although xylem lignification was adversely affected by Cu deficiency, the water transporting vessels remained largely unaffected, thus allowing efficient recovery. This work opens new avenues to explore the effects of plant nutrition on whole-plant physiology and function.
dc.format.mediumborn digital
dc.format.mediumdoctoral dissertations
dc.identifierHunter_colostate_0053A_17068.pdf
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10217/235291
dc.languageEnglish
dc.language.isoeng
dc.publisherColorado State University. Libraries
dc.relation.ispartof2020-
dc.rightsCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.
dc.subjectcopper
dc.subjectplant physiology
dc.subjectnutrient homeostasis
dc.subjectanatomy
dc.titleA new woody perspective on copper homeostasis: systemic copper transport and distribution, effect of copper on lignification, and water transport in hybrid poplar
dc.typeText
dcterms.rights.dplaThis Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights (https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/). You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
thesis.degree.disciplineBiology
thesis.degree.grantorColorado State University
thesis.degree.levelDoctoral
thesis.degree.nameDoctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Files

Original bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Thumbnail Image
Name:
Hunter_colostate_0053A_17068.pdf
Size:
3.5 MB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Download

Collections

2020-
Theses and Dissertations