GFP-targeted mitochondria show heterogeneity of size, morphology, and dynamics in transgenic Nicotiana tabacum L. plants in vivo
Journal
International Journal of Plant Sciences
Journal Volume
165
Journal Issue
6
Pages
949-955
Date Issued
2004
Author(s)
Abstract
This study reports on the heterogeneity and dynamics of green fluorescent protein (GFP)–tagged mitochondria in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants in vivo. We investigated the size, shape, and dynamics of mitochondria in different plant cells using confocal microscopy. The mitochondria exhibit different mobility and shapes according to their location, developmental stages, and physiological conditions. Because mitochondria in the shoot apical meristem cells vary greatly in size—from 100‐nm specks to 2‐μm spherical structures—an alternative mitochondrial propagation pathway other than fission may exist in fast‐growing eudicots. Mitochondria as small as 100 nm may undergo a progressive development in situ. Real‐time analysis demonstrated highly dynamic movement of mitochondria in vivo. We present evidence of fusion and fission of mitochondria in eudicots for the first time. We also found that some mitochondria were interconnected to each other by tubular structures and formed networks in the cell.
SDGs
Type
journal article