Entries by Mary Williams

Single cell transcriptomics after mild drought reveals two types of mesophyll responses

/in /by

Single-cell transcriptomics offer unprecedented insights into how plants respond to their environment. Although this technique is powerful, it requires extensive processing of the tissue (cell wall digestion to form protoplasts) prior to sequencing, which can induce additional transcriptional changes. Here, Tenorio Berrío et al. incorporated into their protocol a block on transcription through applying actinomycin […]

Comment: Lack of racial diversity in UK plant science

/in /by

In most STEM disciplines there is a racial disparity between practitioners and the broader population. This disparity is often greater in plant sciences than in biomedical-related disciplines. Here, Hubbard and colleagues take a close look at the demographics of plant scientists in the UK and provide some recommendations for action. Contributing factors could include where […]

Plant Science Research Weekly: September 27, 2024

/in /by

Review: Molecular concepts to explain heterosis in crops Heterosis, the phenomenon where hybrid plants outperform their genetically distinct parents, is a cornerstone of modern agriculture. This review by Hochholdinger and Yu explores the molecular mechanisms behind heterosis. The review traces the history of heterosis, from its early discovery in tobacco by Kölreuter to its widespread […]

Review: Guidelines for studying and naming plant plasma-membrane domains

/in /by

Numerous studies have highlighted the critical importance of plasma membrane heterogeneities in regulating cell functions, leading to a proliferation of overlapping and contradictory terminologies. Here, Jaillais and others in the field propose a new system of nomenclature. It really is a must-read for anyone interested in cell biology, so here I’ll just report two key […]

Plant Science Research Weekly: September 6, 2024

/in /by

Review: Guidelines for studying and naming plant plasma-membrane domains Numerous studies have highlighted the critical importance of plasma membrane heterogeneities in regulating cell functions, leading to a proliferation of overlapping and contradictory terminologies. Here, Jaillais and others in the field propose a new system of nomenclature. It really is a must-read for anyone interested in […]

Convergent evolution of plant prickles

/in /by

Contrary to common belief, roses do not have thorns: instead, they have prickles. Thorns (as in hawthorns) are modified stems, spines (as in cactus spines) are modified leaves, and prickles (as in roses) are modified epidermal tissues. Prickles occur in a wide range of plants. Satterlee et al. set out to investigate the genetic basis […]

Plant Science Research Weekly: August 23, 2024

/in /by

Review. Chilling out: How plants remodel membranes to survive the cold Low temperatures disrupt cellular processes and require metabolic adaptation. Cold-induced lipid remodeling helps maintain membrane permeability and prevents phase separations that can lead to cellular damage. In this review, Shomo, Li and colleagues provide an overview of the mechanisms by which plants remodel their […]

Review. Lighting the way: Compelling open questions in photosynthesis research

/in /by

Photosynthesis is fundamental to life on Earth and a topic that all plant biologists should have a good understanding of, but it is also an incredibly complex set of processes, reactions and structures spanning great temporal and spatial distances. In this new Commentary by Eckardt et al., several experts summarize some of the fundamental unknowns […]

Plant Science Research Weekly: August 16, 2023

/in /by

Review. Lighting the way: Compelling open questions in photosynthesis research Photosynthesis is fundamental to life on Earth and a topic that all plant biologists should have a good understanding of, but it is also an incredibly complex set of processes, reactions and structures spanning great temporal and spatial distances. In this new Commentary by Eckardt […]