Seasonal dynamics of cell-to-cell transport in angiosperm wood.

This study describes the seasonal changes in cell-to-cell transport in three selected angiosperm tree species, Acer pseudoplatanus (maple), Fraxinus excelsior (ash), and Populus tremula × tremuloides (poplar), with an emphasis on the living wood component, xylem parenchyma cells (XPCs). We performed anatomical studies, dye loading through the vascular system, measurements of non-structural carbohydrate content, immunocytochemistry, inhibitory assays and quantitative real-time PCR to analyse the transport mechanisms and seasonal variations in wood. The abundance of membrane dye in wood varied seasonally along with seasonally changing tree phenology, cambial activity, and non-structural carbohydrate content.

Endocytosis acts as transport pathway in wood.

In trees, dead and living cells of secondary xylem (wood) function collectively, rendering cell-to-cell communication challenging. Water and solutes are transported over long distances from the roots to the above-ground organs via vessels, the main component of wood, and then radially over short distances to the neighboring cells. This enables proper functioning of trees and integrates whole-plant activity.