Tansley Review No. 112

IZA Discussion Paper No. 112

Tansley review The evolution of seeds

The evolution of the seed represents a remarkable life-history transition for photosynthetic organisms. Here, we review the recent literature and historical understanding of how and why seeds evolved. Answering the ‘how’ question involves a detailed understanding of the developmental morphology and anatomy of seeds, as well as the genetic programs that determine seed size. We complement this wi...

Tansley review Impacts of parasitic plants on natural communities

Parasitic plants have profound effects on the ecosystems in which they occur. They are represented by some 4000 species and can be found in most major biomes. They acquire some or all of their water, carbon and nutrients via the vascular tissue of the host’s roots or shoots. Parasitism has major impacts on host growth, allometry and reproduction, which lead to changes in competitive balances be...

Tansley review In touch: plant responses to mechanical stimuli

Perception and response to mechanical stimuli are likely essential at the cellular and organismal levels. Elaborate and impressive touch responses of plants capture the imagination as such behaviors are unexpected in otherwise often quiescent creatures. Touch responses can turn plants into aggressors against animals, trapping and devouring them, and enable flowers to be active in ensuring cross...

Tansley Review No. 111 Possible roles of zinc in protecting plant cells from damage by reactive oxygen species

 S 185 I.  186 II.          186 1. Superoxide-generating NADPH oxidase 186 2. Zinc deficiency potentiates iron-mediated free radical production 189 (a) Iron accumulation in zinc-deficient plants 189 (b) Iron-induced production of free radicals 189 3. Zinc deficiency-enhanced photooxidation 191 (a) Decrease in photosynthesi...