The maize genome is largely composed of transposable elements, which is one reason maize has been such a powerful genetic model. However, these transposons also mean that there is a great deal of genetic variability between inbred lines, which can contribute to heterosis (hybrid vigor). In a pair of papers, Sun et al. report a […]
The two classic approaches to introducing DNA into a plant’s genome are by harnessing Agrobacterium tumefaciens’ fascinating gene-transfer skill, or by shooting the new DNA into the cell using a “biolistic” (gun) approach. Because of Agrobacterium’s restricted choice of hosts, the biolistic method has been preferred for monocots. Traditionally, regenerants are characterized phenotypically and by […]
Forward-genetic, loss-of-function studies have been invaluable in identifying factors necessary for the formation of the root endodermis. Drapek et al. used an ectopic expression approach to identify factors that are sufficient to produce endodermal-like cells in different root regions. They found that the combination of the key transcription factor SHR and the peptide ligand CIF2 […]
The interaction between transcription factors WUSCHEL (WUS) and CLAVATA3 (CLV3) controls the size of the meristem. Although WUS is known to activate CLV3 expression, their expression domains don’t fully overlap, with CLV3 being restricted to the upper part of the meristem. Previously, in the multiple ham mutant (loss of function of HAIRY MERISTEM family) CLV3 […]
As gatekeepers between the outside world and the interior of the leaf, guard cells are extraordinarily sensitive to their environment. Closing keeps out pathogens and keeps in water vapor, but opening is needed to admit CO2. The web of interactions that control stomatal aperture are also correspondingly complex. Although ABA is well known as a […]
Plants and their algal predecessors both utilize chloroplasts for photosynthesis and other essential metabolic processes. The endosymbiotic origin and subsequent co-evolution of this autotrophic organelle introduced striking regulatory mechanisms combining both prokaryotic and eukaryotic strategies for optimal functionality and control. In a recent article, Trosch et al. (Nature Plants) performed a comprehensive comparison of chloroplast […]
Genome assemblies of maize lines Mo17 and W22: Extensive intraspecific variation, and resource for functional biology The maize genome is largely composed of transposable elements, which is one reason maize has been such a powerful genetic model. However, these transposons also mean that there is a great deal of genetic variability between inbred lines, which […]
Molly Perchlik, first author of Leaf Amino Acid Supply Affects Photosynthetic and Plant Nitrogen Use Efficiency under Nitrogen Stress Current Position: In search Education: Ph.D. in Plant Biology, Washington State University. B.S. in Biology, Indiana University (Bloomington) Non-scientific Interests: Travel, hiking, camping, choir, board games Brief bio: During my undergraduate studies at Indiana University, I worked in the […]
Linhui Yu, first author of Starch Deficiency Enhances Lipid Biosynthesis and Turnover in Leaves Current Position: Postdoctoral fellow, Bioscience Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, New York, USA Education: PhD in Plant Biology at the School of Life Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China. Non-scientific Interests: Travelling, hiking, movies, reading. Brief bio: I earned my doctoral […]