Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 31, 2026

A Simple Protocol for Mapping the Plant Root System Architecture Traits
Published on: February 10, 2023
Changes in cell size and number and in rhizodermal development contribute to root tip swelling of Hyoscyamus albus
Yuki Kawahara1, Yoshie Kitamura1
1Graduate School of Fisheries Science and Environmental Studies, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.
Abstract:
Root tip swelling is a common phenomenon observed when plant roots are subjected to Fe deficiency. We analysed whether an increase in cell number or an enlargement of cell width was involved in this phenomenon. Root tips of Hyoscyamus albus cultured with or without Fe were stained with fluorescent SYTO14 and analysed by confocal laser-scanning microscopy. Time-course and position-based examination revealed that the inhibition of longitudinal cell elongation and acceleration of transverse cell enlargement under Fe deficiency started from the tips and then extended towards the base during the time-course period. An increase in cell number also occurred behind the tips. In addition, the development of rhizodermal protrusions was observed on the surface of roots subjected to Fe deficiency. These results indicated that changes in cell size and number and in root hair development were all involved in root tip swelling.
Related Concept Videos
Primary and Secondary Growth in Roots and Shoots
Root Mean Square
For example, consider the velocity of gas molecules in a container. The gas molecules are moving in different directions, which might impart positive and negative...
Cell Size
Surface Area
Cells can take in nutrients and water via diffusion through the plasma membrane itself or through specific channels in the membrane. The area of the membrane surrounding...
Properties of the Root Locus
To determine if a point lies on the root locus, the criterion involves the sum of angles contributed by all poles and zeros to that point. Specifically, this sum must be an odd multiple of 180 degrees. The gain at any point on...
Root-Locus Method
This system can be represented by a block...
Construction of Root Locus
For positive gain values, the root locus exists on the real axis to the left of an odd number of finite open-loop poles or zeros. The root locus starts at the open-loop poles and traces the paths of the closed-loop poles as the gain...

