Calcium Oxalate Crystals, the Plant 'Gemstones': Insights into Their Synthesis and Physiological Implications in Plants.
Plant Cell Physiol
; 64(10): 1124-1138, 2023 Oct 16.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37498947
ABSTRACT
From simple algal forms to the most advanced angiosperms, calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals (CRs) occur in the majority of taxonomic groups of photosynthetic organisms. Various studies have demonstrated that this biomineralization is not a simple or random event but a genetically regulated coordination between calcium uptake, oxalate (OX) synthesis and, sometimes, environmental stresses. Certainly, the occurrence of CaOx CRs is old; however, questions related to their genesis, biosynthesis, significance and genetics exhibit robust evolution. Moreover, their speculated roles in bulk calcium regulation, heavy metal/OX detoxification, light reflectance and photosynthesis, and protection against grazing and herbivory, besides other characteristics, are gaining much interest. Thus, it is imperative to understand their synthesis and regulation in relation to the ascribed key functions to reconstruct future perspectives in harnessing their potential to achieve nutritious and pest-resistant crops amid anticipated global climatic perturbations. This review critically addresses the basic and evolving concepts of the origin (and recycling), synthesis, significance, regulation and fate vis-à-vis various functional aspects of CaOx CRs in plants (and soil). Overall, insights and conceptual future directions present them as potential biominerals to address future climate-driven issues.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Calcium Oxalate
/
Calcium
Language:
En
Journal:
Plant Cell Physiol
Journal subject:
BOTANICA
Year:
2023
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
India