Effects of desiccation on photosynthesis pigments and the ELIP-like dsp 22protein complexes in the resurrection plant Craterostigma plantagineum

Desiccation and abscisic acid treatment lead to major changes in thylakoid membranes of the desiccation-tolerant plant Craterostigma plantagineum. The chlorophyll contents and proteins of the light harvesting complexes decrea se during desiccation, although some chlorophyll is retained in the dehydra ted slate. The xanthophyll cycle pigment zeaxanthin, however, increased. Un der these conditions, a 22 kDa ELIP-like desiccation-induced protein (dsp 2 2) accumulated in the thylakoid membranes. Fractionation of pigment-protein complexes of stressed plants revealed that the dsp 22 protein co-localized with the carotenoid zeaxanthin. Inhibition of zeaxanthin production had a negative effect on the accumulation of the dsp 22 protein. It is suggested that dsp 22 contributes to the protection against photoinhibition caused by dehydration. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.