Boundary formation through direct threshold-based readout of mobile small RNA gradients
Blog, Plant Science Research Weekly, Research, Research BlogHow does a flat leaf form? Previous studies have indicated that the formation of a flattened blade depends upon a boundary layer between the upper and lower cell layers, and that mobile small RNAs contribute to this boundary, but how this occurs is not fully resolved. For example, although the small…
The tomato DELLA protein PROCERA acts in guard cells to promote stomatal closure
Blog, Plant Science Research Weekly, Research, Research Blog, The Plant CellNuclear accumulation of DELLA proteins induces transcriptional reprogramming and is well known to suppress the gibberellin (GA) pathway. While DELLAs can negatively regulate GA, increased GA levels can also signal DELLA degradation. GA is a growth-regulating hormone that is also involved in inhibiting…
Fe sparing in Arabidopsis rosettes
Blog, Plant Science Research Weekly, Research, Research BlogAll cells need iron (Fe), which is frequently limiting for life. Plants (like other organisms) have complex strategies for uptake of Fe from their environment. Studies in the green alga Chlamodomonas have demonstrated that these organisms are able to prioritize certain pathways when Fe is limiting, a…
The kinase ERULUS controls pollen tube targeting and growth in Arabidopsis thaliana
Blog, Plant Science Research Weekly, The Plant CellPollen cells have a fascinating ability to transform from a small spherical cell to a very elongated shape known as the pollen tube (PT) during fertilization. Pollen cells must navigate through the female tissue, find an ovary, and burst to release the two sperm cell nuclei as well as the vegetative…
The genome sequence of the wild tomato Solanum pimpinellifolium provides insights into salinity tolerance
Blog, Plant Science Research Weekly, Research, Research BlogWild relatives of domesticated plants, such as tomato, are valuable resource for breeding, but their genomes are often not very well sequenced. Razali et al. provide the first high-quality genome of wild tomato S.pimpinellifolium LA0480, and use Dragon Eukaryotic Analysis Platform to functionally annotate…
Persistent drought monitoring using a microfluidic-printed electro-mechanical sensor of stomata in planta
Blog, Plant Science Research Weekly, Research, Research BlogPersistent drought monitoring using a microfluidic-printed electro-mechanical sensor of stomata in planta
The study of stomatal dynamics is crucial for understanding photosynthetic gas exchange and plant hydraulics, but there are currently no methods for measuring the conductance of individual stomata…
The structural basis of flagellin detection by NAIP5: A strategy to limit pathogen immune evasion ($)
Blog, Plant Science Research Weekly, Research, Research BlogBoth plants and animals have a sophisticated immune system comprising receptors to detect pathogen-encoded epitopes or virulence molecules. These receptors are programmed to recognize pathogen ligands which are rapidly evolving over an evolutionary time. However, the structural basis of ligand perception…
Using natural wood as a cost-effective alternative in solar steam generation
Blog, Plant Science Research Weekly, Research, Research BlogUsing solar irradiation effectively for steam generation is a promising renewable energy source for a wide variety of applications, including large-scale power generation, desalination, water purification and sterilization, which is particularly important in remote areas where solar power is often the…
Transgenic Cavendish bananas with resistance to Fusarium wilt
Blog, Plant Science Research Weekly, Research, Research BlogBanana, the common breakfast component, is also a staple food in some regions of the world. More than 99% of the bananas exported world-wide are the clonally-propagated Cavendish variety, which have very little genetic variation and so are prone to disease outbreaks. Recent years have witnessed the emergence…