Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Visualizing Lignification Dynamics in Plants with Click Chemistry: Dual Labeling is BLISS!
Published on: January 26, 2018
Introduction of xylem differentiation in lactuca by ethylene
A R Miller1, W L Pengelly, L W Roberts
1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho 83843.
Abstract:
Evidence was obtained to support the hypothesis that ethylene is involved in xylem differentiation in primary pith explants of Lactuca sativa L. cv Romaine cultured in vitro. Xylem elements differentiated when explants were supplied indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in combination with either the ethylene biosynthetic precursor 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), the ethylene-releasing agent 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid (CEPA), or kinetin. In contrast, no xylem elements differentiated in the presence of IAA, kinetin, ACC, or CEPA alone, or when kinetin was supplied together with ACC or CEPA. These results show that ethylene will substitute qualitatively for cytokinin during auxin-induced xylogenesis, and suggest that both ethylene and auxin are required for xylem differentiation in Lactuca.
Related Concept Videos
Xylem and Transpiration-driven Transport of Resources
Cell Signaling in Plants
Primary and Secondary Growth in Roots and Shoots
Tonicity in Plants
Regulation of Transpiration by Stomata

