Physiological Response of the Resurrection Fern Subjected to Environmental Stress as Shown by Plant Cell Membrane Integrity
- 1 St. Joseph’s Academy, Baton Rouge, USA
- 2 LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, USA
Abstract
Resurrection fern has a unique ability to maintain cell wall integrity when the plant cell is desiccated. It uses proteins such as late embryogenesis proteins and heat shock proteins to maintain their cellular functions. The purpose of this experiment is to determine the effects of environmental stressors on the physiological response of the resurrection fern ( Pleopeltis polypodioides ). The physiological response of resurrection fern plants was subjected to various temperatures (-50°C, 0°C, 25°C, and 50°C) for 7 days. Results indicated that there was a significant difference between hydrated and desiccated ferns based on the temperature. Additionally, electrolyte leakage measurements confirmed cell damage following exposure to temperature extremes of -50°C and 50°C.
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