Organization and metabolism of plastids and mitochondria in arbuscular mycorrhizal roots of Medicago truncatula

Plant Physiol. 2005 Sep;139(1):329-40. doi: 10.1104/pp.105.061457. Epub 2005 Aug 26.

Abstract

Colonization of root cortical cells by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi leads to marked cytological changes of plastids and mitochondria. Plastids in particular are forming tubular extensions partially connecting individual organelles in a network-like way. These cytological changes correspond to an increased need for plastid and mitochondrial products during establishment and functioning of the symbiosis. The analysis of metabolite and transcript levels in mycorrhizal and nonmycorrhizal roots from Medicago truncatula revealed concomitant changes regarding a number of metabolic pathways. Our results indicate the activation of the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle and of plastid biosynthetic pathways producing fatty acids, amino acids, and apocarotenoids. These observations provide a general overview of structural and metabolic changes of plastids and mitochondria during colonization of root cortical cells by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids / metabolism
  • Carbohydrate Metabolism
  • Carotenoids / metabolism
  • Fatty Acids / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
  • Medicago truncatula / cytology
  • Medicago truncatula / metabolism*
  • Medicago truncatula / microbiology*
  • Mitochondria / metabolism*
  • Mycorrhizae / physiology*
  • Plant Proteins / genetics
  • Plant Roots / cytology
  • Plant Roots / genetics
  • Plant Roots / metabolism*
  • Plant Roots / microbiology*
  • Plastids / metabolism*
  • Rhizobium / metabolism
  • Transcription, Genetic / genetics

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Fatty Acids
  • Plant Proteins
  • Carotenoids