Stress Proteins and Ultrastructural Characteristics of Leaf Cells of Plants with Different Types of Ecological Strategies

Stress proteins biosynthesis, DNA and RNA content, electron microscopy of leaf cells from plants with different types of ecological strategies have been studied. Brassica campestris var.olifera and Amaranthus caudathus L. were selected as ruderals. Rumex patienta L. x Rumex tianshanicus A.Los. was selected as stress-tolerant. Biosynthesis of stress proteins, DNA and RNA content, the ultra structural organization of leaf cells were analyzed after short-term heat (+40 oC) and cold (+2 oC) temperature stresses. The differences in protein spectra and nuclear acid content were revealed. Active synthesis of 50 kDa HSP and some low molecular weight proteins took place after temperature stresses. Stressful polypeptides were detected, one of them could be reviewed as a biomarker. Ultrastructural investigations revealed different features and directions in changes of cell organelles from plants with different types of ecological strategies under stress conditions. Perspectives of proteins usage as biomarkers of plants with different types of ecological strategies and probable role of ultrastructural changes in cell organelles during adaptation to environmental stresses are discussed.