Plant Biol (Stuttg) 2007; 9(5): 620-637
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-965248
Review Article

Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart KG · New York

Sulfur Metabolism in Plants: Are Trees Different?[1]

H. Rennenberg1 , C. Herschbach1 , K. Haberer1 , S. Kopriva1 , 2
  • 1Institute of Forest Botany and Tree Physiology, Chair of Tree Physiology, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 053/054, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
  • 2Present address: John Innes Centre, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7UH, UK
Further Information

Publication History

Received: January 15, 2007

Accepted: March 23, 2007

Publication Date:
13 September 2007 (online)

Zoom Image

Abstract

Sulfur metabolite levels and sulfur metabolism have been studied in a significant number of herbaceous and woody plant species. However, only a limited number of datasets are comparable and can be used to identify similarities and differences between these two groups of plants. From these data, it appears that large differences in sulfur metabolite levels, as well as the genetic organization of sulfate assimilation and metabolism do not exist between herbaceous plants and trees. The general response of sulfur metabolism to internal and/or external stimuli, such as oxidative stress, seems to be conserved between the two groups of plants. Thus, it can be expected that, generally, the molecular mechanisms of regulation of sulfur metabolism will also be similar. However, significant differences have been found in fine tuning of the regulation of sulfur metabolism and in developmental regulation of sulfur metabolite levels. It seems that the homeostasis of sulfur metabolism in trees is more robust than in herbaceous plants and a greater change in conditions is necessary to initiate a response in trees. This view is consistent with the requirement for highly flexible defence strategies in woody plant species as a consequence of longevity. In addition, seasonal growth of perennial plants exerts changes in sulfur metabolite levels and regulation that currently are not understood. In this review, similarities and differences in sulfur metabolite levels, sulfur assimilation and its regulation are characterized and future areas of research are identified.

1 Dedicated to Prof. Dr. L. Bergmann at the occasion of his 80th birthday.