Green light drives embryonic photosynthesis and protein accumulation in cotyledons of developing Pea (Pisum sativum L.) seeds

Abstract

Photosynthesis is a vital process for seed productivity. It occurs in the leaves and provides developing seeds with the necessary nutrients. Moreover, many crops require photochemical reactions inside the seeds for proper development. The present study aimed to investigate Pisum sativum L. seeds at the middle stage of maturation, which is characterized by the active synthesis of nutrient reserves. Embryonic photosynthesis represents a crucial process to produce cells’ NADP(H) and ATP, which are necessary to convert sucrose into reserve biopolymers. However, it remains unclear how the pea embryo, covered by a coat and pericarp, receives sufficient light to provide energy for photochemical reactions. Recent studies have demonstrated that the photosynthetically active radiation reaching the developing pea embryo has a high proportion of green light. In addition, green light can be utilized in foliar photosynthesis by plants cultivated in shaded conditions. Here, we addressed the role of green light in seed development. Pea plants were cultivated under red and blue (RB) LEDs or red, green, and blue (RGB) LEDs. A Chl a fluorescence transient based on OJIP kinetics was detected at the periphery of the cotyledons isolated from developing seeds. Our findings showed that the addition of green light resulted in an increase in photochemical activity. Furthermore, the mature seeds that developed in the RGB module had a significantly higher weight and more storage proteins. Using a metabolomics approach, we also detected significant differences in the levels of organic acids, carbohydrates, nucleotide monophosphates, and nitrogenous substances between the RB and RGB conditions. Under RGB light, the cotyledons contained more ornithine, tryptophan, arginine, and aspartic acid. These changes indicate an impact of green light on the ornithine–urea cycle and polyamine biosynthesis. These results allow for a deeper understanding of the photochemical processes in embryos of developing seeds grown under a low light intensity. The photosynthetic system in the embryo cell adapts to the shade conditions by using green light.