Understanding Amphibious Plants: A Review on Acclimation Mechanisms in Response to Changing Environments

Abstract

Amphibious plants are a heterogeneous group of plants which live and thrive in water-land transition zones. Although no consensus has been reached for a proper definition, it is widely accepted that certain characteristics are often shared by these plants, namely the presence of heterophylly, modifications to stomatal development, and the switch between photosynthesis types depending on the surrounding environment. These alterations in amphibious lifestyle are caused by environmental cues, most importantly submergence, temperature and light. The molecular study of the cause and effects in the amphibious lifestyle, particularly in relation to plasticity, has been the focus in this field of research for the last few decades. In this review, the most recent research on molecular pathways and hormonal cascades was explored in relation to the research that has been performed over time on how amphibious plants prosper in fluctuating environments. Moreover, knowledge gaps were identified and future perspectives on how information on amphibious plant strategies could aid crop survival against climate change was explored.