- Many plants often show twisted, corkscrew root growth.
- Root twisting helps plants move around stones in soil.
- Scientists asked how roots twist in nature.
- They used a small model plant system in the lab.
- Researchers put a normal gene into different layers of the root.
- When inner layers had the gene, roots stayed twisted.
- When only the outer layer had the gene, roots grew straight.
- The outer root layer controls the whole organ shape.
- This finding could help crops in rocky soil and drought.
Difficult words
- corkscrew — twisted shape like a spiral
- layer — one thickness or level of materiallayers
- gene — small part of a cell that gives traits
- control — have power over how something growscontrols
- organ — a plant or animal part with a function
- drought — a long time without enough rain
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you seen plants with twisted roots?
- Do you know plants that grow in rocky soil?
- Have you seen plants in dry places with little rain?
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