Root cells are organized into concentric layers that facilitate the movement of water and nutrients. Among these, the endodermis overlays the root vasculature, allowing it to play a major role in selective uptake. To perform this function, endodermal cells undergo two distinct stages of differentiation. The first stage involves the formation of the Casparian strip […]
Cells are as small as life gets, but can be much larger than they appear if given room for expansion. This is possible with expansion microscopy, a technique that enables three dimensional cell imaging by physically expanding cellular components for visualization. Although expansion microscopy has been used in several eukaryotic systems, it is only recently […]
Field-based technologies are essential for understanding plant mechanical behavior in field-relevant contexts. This behavior can be elastic, with temporary deformation measured as stiffness, or plastic, with permanent deformation measured as strength. While field-based technologies exist for addressing questions regarding stalk stiffness, stalk strength, and root system strength, root system stiffness has not been fully understood […]