Mitochondrial Complex I activity is inhibited by changes in the abundance of phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylserine in wheat plants exposed to high temperatures.

We evaluated changes to the lipo-protein network of wheat mitochondria of differing heat tolerance in response to heat shock.Using targeted mass spectrometry, candidate transitions were selected to quantify changes in membrane lipids and the embedded protein components of the electron transport chain, which play a vital role in maintaining respiration.A significant increase in phosphatidylserine was exclusive to the mitochondria of the heat-tolerant wheat cultivar. In the absence of this, the heat-sensitive cultivar displayed a reduced Complex I activity. The minor membrane constituent phosphatidylserine plays a role in conveying thermotolerance, making this membrane lipid a focal point for the breeding of future heat tolerant crops.