Fast cell wall softening powers Venus flytrap closure
Plant Science Research WeeklyWe are used to thinking of plants as slow-moving organisms, so the few exceptions that exist are not only fascinating curiosities but also scientific mysteries waiting to be resolved. The Venus flytrap is one of the most studied fast-moving plants. Until now, the rapid closure of its trap was thought…
Stretched by Stress: PIEZO1 is a mechanosensitive ion channel in Arabidopsis (PNAS)
Plant Science Research WeeklyPlants are constantly susceptible to mechanical stress and they have evolved intracellular signaling mechanisms to adapt to mechanical stimulation. Whilst it is known that ion channels activate signaling pathways in response to mechanical stress, only few of these mechanosensitive channels have been…