Clearly, the mechanical properties of plant cell walls have important implications for growth and development, but they are not necessarily easy to measure, especially in intact, living tissues. Here, Alonso-Baez et al. used Brillouin microscopy and molecular rotors to characterize cell wall properties in Arabidopsis seedling roots. Brillouin microscopy determines wall stiffness and viscosity (which […]
Review: What happens when it gets too hot – the vulnerability of plant reproduction in a warming world Climate change brings about higher temperatures, threatening plant populations worldwide. Higher temperatures interfere with reproductive processes such as pollen production or fertilization, even if the plant itself can withstand these temperatures. For example, some plants can withstand […]
Plant (and many algal) cells facilitate cell-to-cell movement through specialized regulated pores called plasmodesmata that connect neighboring cells, and there is a rich literature in how plasmodesmata regulate intercellular movement for example by sealing closed following pathogen or viral infection. This new review by Schreier et al. focuses on the unique roles of plasmodesmata in […]
Kalenchoe plants, sometimes called “Mother of Thousands” are instantly recognizable by the abundance of little plantlets that form on their leaf margins. Kalenchoe daigremontiana is probably the most recognizable species, in which plantlet formation is constitutive, but other species in this genus are readily induced to make plantlets. In a new study, Meng et al. […]
Review: More is better, the importance of plasmodesmata in C4 photosynthesis Plant (and many algal) cells facilitate cell-to-cell movement through specialized regulated pores called plasmodesmata that connect neighboring cells, and there is a rich literature in how plasmodesmata regulate intercellular movement for example by sealing closed following pathogen or viral infection. This new review by […]
I’d never thought about the fact that there are two distinct types of epidermal-derived secretory structures, both mainly involved in stress responses and defense. Glandular trichomes (GTs) are well known structures that protrude outwards, but they are joined by subcutaneous secretory cavities (SCs) that also produce, store, and secrete substances, such as citrus oil glands. […]
Guard cells might be some of the most well-characterized plant cells due to their accessibility, their importance in land plant survival, and their easily measured responses. Guard cells respond to several signals including light, CO2, vapor pressure deficit, ROS, and abscisic acid (ABA), which acts through a conserved a signaling cascade involving PYRs, PP2Cs, and […]
Review: Epidermis-derived secretory structures I’d never thought about the fact that there are two distinct types of epidermal-derived secretory structures, both mainly involved in stress responses and defense. Glandular trichomes (GTs) are well known structures that protrude outwards, but they are joined by subcutaneous secretory cavities (SCs) that also produce, store, and secrete substances, such […]
This review, by Tadao Asami, looks back at his career as a scientist who designs and synthesizes small, physiologically active molecules with applications in research and agriculture. It’s an impressive history documenting how the methods used for such rational design have evolved over the past five decades. He describes his research projects in terms of […]