Cell geometry determines symmetric and asymmetric division plane selection in Arabidopsis early embryos (PLOS Comp Biol)

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Cells proliferate via symmetric divisions while asymmetric divisions are associated with new cell types, layers and developmental patterns. The correct orientation of cell divisions planes is required for plant tissue architecture and organ morphogenesis. In plants, previous attempts to predict division planes from cell geometry were mostly focused on 2D symmetric divisions. Julien et al. combined a 3D quantitative image analysis and a 3D cell division model in order to study the existence and nature of rules governing cell divisions in plant embryos. Using their model, they revealed a new rule for predicting the position and the orientation of division planes from mother cell geometries, good for both symmetric and asymmetric cell divisions. Their results point out the importance for a geometrical feedback loop between cell geometry and division plane selection in the self-organization of the plant early embryogenesis. Their data further suggest the rule can be interpreted based on the nucleus position and the dynamics of the cytoskeleton. (Summary by Francesca Resentini) PLOS Comp. Biol.10.1371/journal.pcbi.1006771