An insight into the behaviour of recalcitrant seeds by understanding their molecular changes upon desiccation and low temperature

Abstract

Systems biology is an interdisciplinary study that involves a combination of expertise in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and engineering to unravel the biology of complex living systems by incorporating multiple kinds of quantitative molecular computations by using sophisticated mathematical models. This interdisciplinary study can be applied to identify and understand molecular and metabolic changes in recalcitrant plant species. Many tropical plants with recalcitrant seeds have difficulty with long-term seed storage and preservation due to their intolerance to desiccation and low temperatures. The aim of this review was to explore and discuss how omics analyses can assist in elucidating molecular responses and metabolic changes of recalcitrant seed species. Genomics and transcriptomics analyses identified genes, such as late embryogenesis abundant (LEA), that were highly expressed after exposure to desiccation and low temperatures. Meanwhile, proteomic analysis using 2D gel electrophoresis, MALDI-TOF MS, or MS/MS analysis revealed dehydrins induced from recalcitrant seeds upon exposure to desiccation and low temperatures. Metabolomic analysis using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) profiling of recalcitrant seeds has discovered metabolites such as sugar and organic acid changes in recalcitrant seeds at different developmental stages. This information may contribute to comprehending the behaviour of recalcitrant seeds and provide insight into how crop management can be improved in terms of seed storage for conservation in order to maintain plant biodiversity.