Novi Sad : Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology
Doi
Abstract
Ressurection plants are extraordinary because of their ability to withstand long periods without water, enter
a state of anhydrobiosis, and fully recover upon water arrival. Ramonda serbica Panč. is a relic and endemic species
that belongs to a very small group of desiccation-tolerant plants in Europe. Underlying physiological, molecular and
morphological mechanisms that enable these plants to survive harsh environmental conditions have been an appealing
subject of many researchers. Most of the genes responsible for this amazing ability are present in other plants, and
research of those genes which could be activated in crops is growing much more attention because of the imminent
crisis regarding food supplies in the near future. Key components involved in the response to dehydration in R. serbica
plants were analysed through a comprehensive transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolite and photosynthetic study.
Late embryogenesis abundant proteins play a significant role in the complex defence processes involved in desiccation
tolerance. Defining LEAPs physicochemical characteristics and specific physiological functions may lead us to their
applicability in other areas of research
