Chloroplasts Do More Than Photosynthesis: They’re Also a Key Player in Plant Immunity

Andy Fell — October 25, 2023 - 11:15am

Scientists have long known that chloroplasts help plants turn the sun’s energy into food, but a new study, led by plant biologists at the University of California, Davis, shows that they are also essential for plant immunity to viral and bacterial pathogens.

Chloroplasts are generally spherical, but a small percentage of them change their shape and send out tube-like projections called “stromules.” First observed over a century ago, the biological function of stromules has remained enigmatic.

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Chloroplasts Do More Than Photosynthesis: They’re Also a Key Player in Plant Immunity