French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology of Drylands, Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben Gurion 84990, Israel.
Int J Mol Sci. 2018 Aug 19;19(8):2455. doi: 10.3390/ijms19082455.
Plants have evolved a variety of dispersal units whereby the embryo is enclosed by various dead protective layers derived from maternal organs of the reproductive system including seed coats (integuments), pericarps (ovary wall, e.g., indehiscent dry fruits) as well as floral bracts (e.g., glumes) in grasses. Commonly, dead organs enclosing embryos (DOEEs) are assumed to provide a physical shield for embryo protection and means for dispersal in the ecosystem. In this review article, we highlight recent studies showing that DOEEs of various species across families also have the capability for long-term storage of various substances including active proteins (hydrolases and ROS detoxifying enzymes), nutrients and metabolites that have the potential to support the embryo during storage in the soil and assist in germination and seedling establishment. We discuss a possible role for DOEEs as natural coatings capable of "engineering" the seed microenvironment for the benefit of the embryo, the seedling and the growing plant.
植物进化出了多种传播单位，其中胚胎被各种来自母体生殖系统器官的死亡保护层所包围，包括种皮（种皮）、果皮（如不开裂的干果）以及草类植物的花被（如颖片）。通常，包围胚胎的死亡器官（DOEE）被认为是为胚胎保护提供物理屏蔽，并为生态系统中的传播提供手段。在这篇综述文章中，我们强调了最近的研究表明，不同科的各种物种的 DOEE 也具有长期储存各种物质的能力，包括活性蛋白质（水解酶和 ROS 解毒酶）、营养物质和代谢物，这些物质有可能在土壤中储存胚胎期间提供支持，并有助于发芽和幼苗的建立。我们讨论了 DOEE 作为天然涂层的可能作用，这些涂层能够“设计”种子的微环境，从而使胚胎、幼苗和生长中的植物受益。
