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Seven things we think we know about auxin transport
Wendy Ann Peer1, Joshua J Blakeslee, Haibing Yang
1Department of Horticulture, 625 Agriculture Mall Drive, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA. peerw@purdue.edu
Molecular Plant
|April 21, 2011
Summary
Plant auxin transport is crucial for growth and development, regulating processes from embryonic stages to environmental responses. This review highlights current knowledge gaps and areas needing further validation in auxin-regulated mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Auxin transport is fundamental to plant growth, influencing embryonic development, stem cell maintenance, and architectural patterning.
- Recent advances have elucidated auxin transport mechanisms, revealing its involvement in nearly all plant growth and environmental responses.
- Despite progress, fundamental aspects of auxin transport regulation remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge and identify gaps in understanding auxin-regulated processes.
- To critically evaluate established assumptions regarding auxin transport mechanisms.
- To highlight areas requiring further research and validation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on auxin transport.
- Discussion of specific auxin-regulated processes: gravitropism, phototropism, shoot branching, leaf expansion, and venation.
- Exploration of models like the auxin reflux/fountain model and regulatory factors such as flavonoids and post-translational modifications.
Main Results:
- Detailed examination of auxin transport's role in root gravitropism, phototropism, shoot branching, leaf expansion, and venation patterns.
- Discussion of the auxin reflux/fountain model at the root apex.
- Analysis of flavonoid influence on auxin transport and unresolved questions in post-translational regulation of auxin transporters.
Conclusions:
- Significant progress has been made in understanding auxin transport, but critical knowledge gaps persist.
- Several widely accepted concepts require more rigorous experimental validation.
- Further research is essential to fully elucidate the complex regulatory network of auxin transport in plants.
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