What do plants do in winter?

• Authors: Łukasz Wojtyla , Małgorzata Adamiec , Ewa Sobieszczuk-Nowicka
• Languages of publication: EN

Abstracts

EN

Plants can be divided according to susceptibility to cold or frost resistance owing to their tolerance. In the temperate climate, most plants are tolerant of low temperatures and have evolved mechanisms which enable them to survive the winter and limit the negative effects. Gradual temperature drops and the gradual shortening of days in the autumn are extremely important in preparing the plant for the winter. Reduction of cell membrane fluidity and a decrease in efficiency of photosynthesis are the main mechanisms for plant perception of weather conditions. This perception stimulates the induction of processes to acquire tolerance to unfavourable conditions by modulating gene expression, the accumulation of specific proteins with cryo-protective properties and the synthesis of osmotically active and antioxidant compounds. Some species overwinter as dormant, whereas others called evergreens, maintain metabolic activity adjusted to the winter conditions.

Keywords

EN

chill; photosynthesis; frost; low temperature; winter

• Publisher: Instytut Badań Edukacyjnych
• Journal: Edukacja Biologiczna i Środowiskowa
• Year: 2014
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 3-11

Dates

published

2014-03-28

Contributors

author

Łukasz Wojtyla

author

Małgorzata Adamiec

author

Ewa Sobieszczuk-Nowicka