Stochasticity is an important feature of genes, allowing for variability in their abundance and activity prior to ‘fine-tuning’ at later periods of development. Kong et al. describe this feature in auxin responsive genes, attributing their ‘stochastic’- or inherently random expression – as an internal feature of cells, allowing for later canalization (development of robust expression) […]
A recent study by Vardanega et al. focuses on the development of the unique barley inflorescence architecture and unveils key molecular controls underlying meristematic determinacy. The CLAVATA3/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION-related (CLE) – CLAVATA1 (CLV1) interaction has been tied to meristem size and maintenance throughout the grasses. Using a variety of techniques such as phylogenetics, smRNA-FISH, RNA […]
Light is a powerful signal, shaping plant development and growth. However, the cellular mechanisms that translate light signals into precise developmental responses are still being unravelled. The Arabidopsis hypocotyl (the embryonic stem, situated underneath the cotyledons in seedlings) rapidly restricts elongation upon light exposure. Zhang et al. combined molecular and mechanical techniques to uncover a […]
Plants need to develop and grow within their environment whilst defending themselves against potential external threats. There are limited resources for these energy-intensive processes and so cross-talk is common between the signalling pathways to find balance between growth and defence. Hermann et al., provide evidence for cross-regulation between stomatal development and the immune response and […]