A QTL Study for Regions Contributing to Arabidopsis thaliana Root Skewing on Tilted Surfaces.

ABSTRACT: Plant root systems must grow in a manner that is dictated by endogenous genetic pathways, yet sensitive to environmental input. This allows them to provide the plant with water and nutrients while navigating a heterogeneous soil environment filled with obstacles, toxins, and pests. Gravity and touch, which constitute important cues for roots growing in soil, have been shown to modulate root architecture by altering growth patterns. This is illustrated by Arabidopsis thaliana roots growing on tilted hard agar surfaces. Under these conditions, the roots are exposed to both gravity and touch stimulation. Consequently, they tend to skew their growth away from the vertical and wave along the surface. This complex growth behavior is believed to help roots avoid obstacles in nature. Interestingly

SUBMITTER: Vaughn LM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3276130 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature