Multifeature analyses of vascular cambial cells reveal longevity mechanisms in old Ginkgo biloba trees
Abstract
There is considerable interest in how ancient trees maintain their longevity. Ginkgo biloba is the only living species in the division Ginkgophyta, and specimens can live for over 1,000 y. Here, we show that trees up to 600 y of age display similar leaf areas, leaf photosynthetic efficiencies, and seed germination rates. Transcriptomic analysis indicates that the vascular cambium of the oldest trees, although undergoing less xylem generation, exhibits no evidence of senescence; rather, extensive expression of genes associated with preformed and inducible defenses likely contributes to the remarkable longevity of this species.
- Publication:
-
Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- January 2020
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.1916548117
- Bibcode:
- 2020PNAS..117.2201W