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Plants defend themselves: Electric signals as a secret weapon against diseases!
Researchers at the University of Münster are studying how plants use electrical signals for immune defense against pathogens.
Plants defend themselves: Electric signals as a secret weapon against diseases!
On March 10, 2025, researchers at the University of Münster, led by Prof. Dr. Gundula Noll and Dr. Alexandra Furch from the University of Jena presents exciting findings about the plant immune response. This represents a natural protective mechanism that works analogously to the immune response in animals, but operates through different mechanisms. Plants use electrical signals to defend against pathogens and do not have a circulating immune system like animals.
Current research focuses on how plants deal with various pathogens. When an attacker is detected, the cells send chemical and electrical alarm signals that spread through the phloem, which is normally responsible for transporting nutrients. Plants activate their defense mechanisms without developing a fever, which underlines the differentiation from animal immune responses.
Mechanisms of the plant immune response
The mechanisms of plant defense can be divided into two main categories: pattern recognition immunity and effector recognition immunity. The former recognizes microbial molecules through specialized receptors in the cell membrane, while the latter targets effector molecules that pathogens may use to suppress the immune response.
A central aspect of the plant immune response is the formation of electrical impulses that are triggered by ion channels in the cell membrane. These activate chain reactions to produce electrical waves, which then activate chemical signals such as calcium ions and reactive oxygen compounds. The mechanism has been demonstrated in plant species such as thale cress and broad bean, indicating the evolutionary validity of this response.
| Defense mechanisms | Description |
|---|---|
| Saponins | Protection against fungi by binding to sterols in their plasma membrane. |
| Hypersensitive reaction | Accelerated cell death around infection site to deprive the pathogen of nutrients. |
| Synthesis of lignin and callose | Formation of physical barriers against intruders. |
| Phytoalexins | Products such as isoflavones, which are found in legumes and strengthen the immune system. |
Additionally, SEOR proteins in the phloem play a role in the immune response. Interestingly, research shows that plants exhibit a systemically increased resistance after a pathogen-related infection, even in non-infected areas. This increased resistance is promoted by the synthesis of salicylic acid, which produces a lipid that is transported across the phloem.
Understanding these processes is crucial for sustainable crop protection. The aim is to develop plant varieties that can defend themselves against new pathogens. Researchers emphasize that the mechanisms of plant immune response are diverse and complex, laying the foundations for future applications in agriculture.
The findings could lead to the development of new technologies to manipulate plant immune responses to increase the resilience of crops. The original publication of the study appeared in the journalScience Advances.
For detailed information on the plant immune response and its mechanisms, see Wikipedia and Plant research.