Twisted growth is common in plants. Vines and roots can corkscrew to solve physical problems. Scientists knew some mutations that affect microtubules can make plants twist, but they did not know how normal twisting starts.
A research team used a model plant whose roots skew right or left. They put the normal (wild-type) version of a key gene into specific cell layers of the root. When the team expressed the gene in inner cell layers, roots remained twisted. When they expressed the gene only in the outer layer, the epidermis, roots grew straight. This result shows the epidermis can control twisting across the whole root.
Simple lab measurements and computer models helped explain why. Understanding root twisting could help make crops that better navigate rocky or compacted soils as drought increases.
Difficult words
- microtubule — thin cell structures that help form cell shapemicrotubules
- mutation — a change in a gene or DNAmutations
- epidermis — the outer cell layer of the root
- skew — to move or grow to one side
- wild-type — the normal gene or organism form
- drought — a long period with little or no 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 stems or roots? Describe one.
- Why might roots need to grow around rocks or hard soil?
- How could better root growth help farmers in dry places?
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