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Biophysical Perspectives of Xylem Evolution: is there a Tradeoff of Hydraulic Efficiency for Vulnerability to Dysfunction?

In: IAWA Journal
Authors:
Melvin T. Tyree
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,
Stephen D. Davis
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, and
Hervè Cochard
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Online Publication Date:
01 Jan 1994
Free access

In this review, we discuss the evolution of xylem structure in the context of our current understanding of the biophysics of water transport in plants. Water transport in land plants occurs while water is under negative pressure and is thus in a metastable state. Vessels filled with metastable water are prone to dysfunction by cavitation whenever gas-filled voids appear in the vessel lumen. Cavitated vessels fill with air and are incapable of water transport until air bubbles dissolve. We know much more about how cavitations occur and the conditions under which air bubbles (embolisms) dissolve. This gives us an improved understanding of the relations hip between xylem structure and function.

Title:
Biophysical Perspectives of Xylem Evolution: is there a Tradeoff of Hydraulic Efficiency for Vulnerability to Dysfunction?
Article Type:
Research Article
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1163/22941932-90001369
Language:
English
Pages:
335–360
Keywords:
Xylem evolution; cavitation; xylem dysfunction; frost; drought
In:
IAWA Journal
In:
Volume 15: Issue 4
Publisher:
Brill
E-ISSN:
2294-1932
Print ISSN:
0928-1541
Subjects:
Botany, Biology

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