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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 3, 2026

Shootward Movement of CFDA Tracer Loaded in the Bottom Sink Tissues of Arabidopsis

Shootward Movement of CFDA Tracer Loaded in the Bottom Sink Tissues of Arabidopsis

Published on: May 11, 2019

Apoplastic diffusion barriers in Arabidopsis.

Christiane Nawrath¹, Lukas Schreiber², Rochus Benni Franke²

¹University of Lausanne, Department of Plant Molecular Biology, Biophore Building, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.

The Arabidopsis Book

|January 28, 2014

Summary

Plant diffusion barriers, like the cuticle and Casparian strips, are vital for development. Their formation involves specific molecules, tissues, and organs, impacting plant growth and function.

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Area of Science:

Plant Biology
Plant Anatomy
Biochemistry

Background:

Land plants develop specialized extracellular diffusion barriers in various organs.
These barriers, including the cuticle, Casparian strips, and periderm, regulate molecule transport.
Different plant organs and tissues utilize distinct barrier types and components.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the current understanding of plant diffusion barrier formation and function.
To discuss the relationship between the chemical structure, ultrastructure, and physiological roles of these barriers.
To present methods for assessing barrier properties and synthesis pathways.

Main Methods:

Literature review and synthesis of existing research on plant diffusion barriers.
Analysis of molecular components (cutin, wax, lignin, suberin) and their deposition.
Discussion of protocols for evaluating barrier function and properties.

Main Results:

Cuticle (cutin, wax) in shoots and endodermis/periderm barriers (lignin, suberin) in roots are key diffusion barriers.
Barrier formation is organ- and tissue-specific, involving distinct molecular compositions.
Understanding of synthesis, structure-function relationships, and assessment methods is evolving.

Conclusions:

Plant diffusion barriers are crucial for development, with diverse structures and functions.
Specific molecules like cutin, wax, lignin, and suberin play defined roles in barrier formation.
Further research is needed to fully elucidate synthesis pathways and functional significance.