The biophysical design of plant cuticles: an overview

Abstract

SummaryThe outer surfaces of epidermal cell walls are impregnated with an extracellular matrix called the cuticle. This composite matrix provides several functions at the interface level that enable plants to thrive in different habitats and withstand adverse environmental conditions. The lipid polymer cutin, which is the main constituent of the plant cuticle, has some unique biophysical properties resulting from its composition and structure. This review summarizes the progress made towards understanding the biophysical significance of this biopolymer with special focus on its structural, thermal, biomechanical, and hydric properties and relationships. The physiological relevance of such biophysical properties is discussed in light of existing knowledge on the plant cuticle.

Localization of polysaccharides in isolated and intact cuticles of eucalypt, poplar and pear leaves by enzyme-gold labelling

“…The presence and distribution of polysaccharides in the leaf cuticles of the three species examined may lead to different rheological properties of such bio-materials in relation to environmental stimuli [3,9] and may have a major structural role. Furthermore, the presence of cellulose and pectins maybe present as hydrogels [35] even in isolated cuticular membranes of plant organs, may actively contribute to the bi-directional transport of water and solutes, a possibility that has not been yet explored and will require future investigation.…”

“…From a chemical point of view, the cuticle is mainly composed of a cutin and/or cutan polymer matrix, waxes both embedded in (intracuticular) and deposited onto (epicuticular) the outer surface of such matrix, polysaccharides and phenolics [3,6].…”

“…Due to the intimate relationship between the cuticle and the cell wall underneath, the cuticle may be considered a cutinized cell wall [3].…”

Physical Interaction of Floral Organs Controls Petal Morphogenesis in Arabidopsis

“…The petal surface, as with the entire aerial plant body, is covered by cuticle (Pollard et al, 2008;Samuels et al, 2008;Domínguez et al, 2011). Cuticle mainly consists of cutin and cuticular wax.…”

The Formation and Function of Plant Cuticles

“…Given the broad scope and space limitation, not every aspect of cuticle biosynthesis is covered in depth, and recent specialized reviews focusing on cuticle biomechanical properties (Domínguez et al, 2011), defensive functions (ReinaPinto and Yephremov, 2009), and transport barrier properties (Burghardt and Riederer, 2006) may be of further interest. In addition, key ongoing questions in the field are discussed, and potential future approaches to resolving those questions are suggested.…”