Nicotiana benthamiana
Nicotiana benthamiana · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Nicotiana benthamiana serves as a vital model organism in plant biology, particularly when studying plant immunity and responses to abiotic stresses. Researchers frequently utilize agro-infiltrated leaf preparations and seedlings to investigate complex cellular processes like cell death. This species is of significant interest due to its ability to produce specialized chemicals, including abscisic acid, astragaloside IV, and lignans such as (-)-deoxypodophyllotoxin and (-)-epipodophyllotoxin. Furthermore, the plant's antioxidant activities provide critical insights into how biological systems manage oxidative challenges. By analyzing various plant parts like the leaf and seed, scientists can better understand the metabolic pathways essential to this versatile species.
- Synonyms
- Nicotiana Suaveolens Var. Cordifolia
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Distribution
- Africa
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Seed
Classification
Synonyms
Nicotiana benthamiana is a widely utilized model organism in plant biotechnology and molecular research. Within botanical literature, this species is also recognized by its synonym, Nicotiana suaveolens var. cordifolia. Understanding these taxonomic connections is essential for researchers to ensure accuracy when documenting experimental results. This nomenclature reflects the complex evolutionary history and classification of the Nicotiana genus. Consequently, identifying these synonymous relationships helps maintain clarity across diverse scientific databases.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Nicotiana benthamiana is a remarkable species belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant is further organized into the order Solanales, showcasing its evolutionary connections. It sits within the specific genus Nicotiana, which defines its closest botanical relatives. Finally, its taxonomic journey concludes in the prominent family Solanaceae, linking it to other well-known members of that group.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Nicotiana |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Nicotiana benthamiana is a plant species primarily characterized by its distribution throughout the Australasia region. Within this vast geographic range, it is most notably found across the diverse landscapes of Australia. Its presence is particularly significant in Western Australia, where it can be observed in various natural habitats. Understanding these specific locations is essential for researchers studying its ecological role and biological properties. Consequently, mapping its occurrence helps clarify how this species interacts with its unique environmental surroundings.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Nicotiana benthamiana is characterized by its distinct herb growth form. As a self-supporting plant, it maintains its structure without the need for external assistance. Its height varies significantly depending on environmental conditions, typically reaching a minimum of 0.2 m. Under optimal circumstances, this species can achieve a maximum height of 1.5 m.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Nicotiana benthamiana serves as a critical model for demonstrating the functional benefits of the CsBGlu12 enzyme. When this specific β-glucosidase from Crocus sativus is transiently overexpressed in the plant, it triggers a significant accumulation of antioxidant flavonols. This buildup of secondary metabolites directly enhances the plant's ability to manage oxidative damage. Consequently, the presence of these flavonols provides Nicotiana benthamiana with increased antioxidant activity. This mechanism ultimately helps the plant tolerate various abiotic stresses by effectively scavenging reactive oxygen species.
Compounds
Nicotiana benthamiana serves as a highly versatile heterologous host for the production of various valuable bioactive compounds through metabolic engineering. Research has demonstrated that this plant can be used to successfully produce the medicinal triterpenoid saponin astragaloside IV. Furthermore, transient pathway reconstruction in its leaves allows for the high-yield synthesis of the "phyto-insulin" corosolic acid. The plant also functions as an effective platform for the large-scale production of the important carotenoids crocin I and crocin II. Additionally, the expression of specific heterologous genes in this species has been shown to induce the presence of bioactive compounds such as cuelure.
Conditions
Nicotiana benthamiana serves as a highly effective plant chassis for the heterologous production of medicinal compounds, including the accumulation of (-)-deoxypodophyllotoxin and (-)-epipodophyllotoxin. Through the transient transcriptional reprogramming of its endogenous metabolism, this host can achieve unprecedented levels of these specific etoposide aglycone precursors. In studies of plant immunity, Nicotiana benthamiana is used to host ETI immune responses triggered by specific bacterial effectors. Furthermore, the plant is utilized to test enhanced resistance against the pathogen P. sojae through the expression of targeted anti-microbial proteins. Finally, Nicotiana benthamiana facilitates the study of flavonoid biosynthesis, as the transient overexpression of specific transcription factors can promote PA accumulation in its leaves.
Preparations
Nicotiana benthamiana is prepared as agro-infiltrated in studies involving the transient expression of the H7N7 influenza hemagglutinin antigen. This specific preparation allows for the production of recombinant proteins that maintain native antigenicity and functional properties. Additionally, Nicotiana benthamiana is prepared as seedlings to facilitate the establishment of rapid transient transformation systems. By utilizing these seedlings, researchers can employ the FAST method to effectively study functional genes. These two preparation methods demonstrate the versatility of the plant in both protein production and genetic research.
Parts used
Nicotiana benthamiana serves as a critical model organism in botanical research due to its versatile physiological structures. Scientists frequently utilize the plant's leaf tissue for transient expression studies, such as the heterologous production of corosolic acid and the localization of transcription factors. Beyond foliage, the plant's seedling development and seed-related characteristics are essential when establishing rapid Agrobacterium-mediated transformation systems. By leveraging these specific parts, researchers can more efficiently study the genetic regulation of complex secondary metabolites. Ultimately, the biological properties of both the leaf and the seed make this species indispensable for advancing medicinal plant biotechnology.