Novel carbohydrate metabolism in the resurrection plant Craterostigma plantagineum

Abstract

Extreme tolerance to protoplastic desiccation is wide-spread among lower eukaryotes but is restricted to a small group of resurrection plants among higher plants. In many water-stressed organisms organic solutes accumulate and aid in retaining cell water while remaining compatible with macromolecular functions. Based on this observation, carbohydrates were analysed in the resurrection plant Craterostigma plantagineum. We found that the unusual carbohydrate 2-octulose is the dominant sugar in fully hydrated leaves but upon dehydration it is converted to sucrose. The possible metabolic pathways involved in this particular carbohydrate metabolism are discussed.