Activation of seed-specific genes in leaves and roots of the desiccation tolerant plant, Xerophyta humilis

The ability of tissues to survive almost complete loss of cellular water is a trait found throughout the plant kingdom. While this desiccation tolerance is common in seeds of most angiosperms it is rare in their vegetative tissues. Xerophyta humilis (Bak.) Dur and Schintz belongs to a small group of resurrection angiosperms and it possesses the ability to withstand extreme desiccation of greater than 90% in both its seeds and vegetative tissues and return to active metabolism upon rehydration. We have tested the hypothesis that vegetative desiccation tolerance in angiosperms has evolved as an adaptation of seed desiccation tolerance.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Molecular and Cell Biology

Year dc:date.issued

2008

Author dc:creator

• Walford, Sally-Ann

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Illing, Nicola
• Farrant, Jill M
• Denby, Katherine J

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/4349

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/4349