Cork oak (Quercus suber L.) is a research priority in the Mediterranean area and because of cork oaks' distribution these stands are experiencing daily stress. Based on projections of intensifying climate change and considering the key role of exploring the recovery abilities, cork oak seedlings were subjected to a cumulative temperature increase from 25°C to 55°C and subsequent recovery. CO2 assimilation rate, chlorophyll fluorescence, anthocyanins, proline and lipid peroxidation were used to evaluate plant performance, while the relative abundance of seven genes encoding for proteins of cork oak with a putative role in thermal/stress regulation (POX1, POX2, HSP10.4, HSP17a.22, CHS, MTL and RBC) was analyzed by qPCR (quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction). A temperature change to 35°C showed abundance alterations in the tested genes; at 45°C, the molecular changes were associated with an antioxidant response, possibly modulated by anthocyanins. At 55°C, HSP17a.22, MTL and proline accumulation were evident. After recovery, physiological balance was restored, whereas POX1, HSP10.4 and MTL abundances were suggested to be involved in increased thermotolerance. The data presented here are expected to pinpoint some pathways changes occurring during such stress and further recovery in this particular Mediterranean species.

Centre for Research in Ceramics and Composite Materials University of Aveiro Campus Universitário de Santiago 3810 193 Aveiro Portugal

Centro de Biotecnologia Agrícola e Agro Alimentar do Alentejo Rua Pedro Soares 7801 908 Beja Portugal

Department of Biology and CESAM University of Aveiro Campus Universitário de Santiago 3810 193 Aveiro Portugal

EPIPHYSAGE Research Group Plant Physiology B O S Department University Institute of Biotechnology of Asturias University of Oviedo Oviedo Spain

Global Change Research Centre Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic 603 00 Brno Czech Republic

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