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Updated: Jul 13, 2026

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Published on: May 23, 2020
Ethylene modulates stem cell division in the Arabidopsis thaliana root
Olga Ortega-Martínez1, Monica Pernas, Rachel J Carol
1Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK.
Ethylene gas regulates stem cell division in plant roots. This signaling pathway ensures proper root development by controlling cell differentiation and maintaining the stem cell niche.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Developmental biology
- Molecular signaling
Background:
- Multicellular organism development relies on stem cells.
- Stem cells possess regenerative and differentiation capabilities.
- The quiescent center in seedling roots harbors stem cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the role of ethylene in stem cell regulation within the root quiescent center.
- Determine how ethylene influences cell division and signaling in the stem cell niche.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of ethylene's effect on quiescent center cell division.
- Gene expression analysis of ethylene-modulated cells.
- Assessment of signaling interactions between quiescent center cells and adjacent stem cells.
Main Results:
- Ethylene gas was found to modulate cell division in quiescent center stem cells.
- Ethylene-induced cells express specific quiescent center genes.
- These cells can inhibit differentiation in neighboring initial cells, independent of quiescence.
Conclusions:
- Ethylene acts as a key signaling molecule in the root stem cell niche.
- Ethylene modulates cell division within the quiescent center.
- This pathway is crucial for postembryonic root system development.
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