Abstract Detail

Desiccation tolerance in bryophytes: perspectives from early career scientists

Cruz de Carvalho, Ricardo [1].

Bryophyte morphology: a trait associated to desiccation tolerance.

Early plants developed desiccation tolerance (DT) mechanisms through which they could undergo the dry state and return to normal function upon rehydration, leading to its current habitat occupation ranging from deserts to full aquatic environments, presenting different life forms. Recent work showed that even bryophytes from aquatic environments can have DT mechanisms similar to desert bryophytes, if slowly dehydrated. It is expected that denser bryophytes will have higher water surface tension and water will be lost at lower rates than less dense bryophytes. This led to the hypothesis that if bryophytes from contrasting habitats can have similar responses, colony morphology may be the trait that allows to induce individual shoot DT. Morphology, life form and colony structure, may be a determinant factor in the adaptation of bryophytes to each habitat and corresponding predicted levels of desiccation. In the current approach we are using X-ray computed microtomography (microCT) to assess the three dimensional structure of different bryophyte morphologies, in colonies with different life forms, particularly of its inner structure. The aim of this study was to determine if morphology of the bryophyte colony, with different life forms, is a trait that controls water movements (dehydration rate, infiltration, runoff), and analyze its correlation with individual shoot desiccation tolerance, measured as recovery of chlorophyll a fluorescence.

1 - Faculty of Sciences - University of Lisbon, cE3c - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Campus FCUL, Campo Grande, Edifício C2, Piso 5, Lisboa, 1749-016, Portugal

Keywords:
morphology
Bryophyte
desiccation
microtomography .

Presentation Type: Symposium Presentation
Session: SY11
Location: Salon 8/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Tuesday, July 28th, 2015
Time: 4:15 PM
Number: SY11007
Abstract ID:534
Candidate for Awards:None