Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 6, 2026

Quantification of Endogenous Auxin and Cytokinin During Internode Culture of Ipecac
Published on: March 15, 2018
SCARECROW and SHORTROOT control the auxin/cytokinin balance necessary for embryonic stem cell niche specification
Elena Salvi1, Riccardo Di Mambro2, Elena Pacifici1
1a Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie , Università di Roma La Sapienza , Rome , Italy.
Abstract:
The root apical meristem is established during embryogenesis, when its organizer, the quiescent center, is specified and the stem cell niche is positioned. The SCARECROW-SHORTROOT heterodimer is essential for quiescent center specification and maintenance. As continuous post-embryonic root growth relies upon the SCARECROW-mediated control of the cytokinin/auxin balance, we investigated the role of SCARECROW and SHORTROOT in controlling cytokinin signaling during embryonic quiescent center specification. We found that from embryogenesis onward both SCARECROW and SHORTROOT antagonize cytokinin signaling, thus repressing the expression of the auxin biosynthetic enzyme ANTRANILATHE SYNTHASE BETA 1. This mechanism prevents detrimental and premature high auxin levels in the QC allowing the establishment of a functional embryonic root pole.
Related Concept Videos
Embryonic Stem Cells
Embryonic Stem Cells
ES cells are grown in a culture medium where they can divide indefinitely, creating ES cell lines. Under certain conditions, ES cells can differentiate, either spontaneously into a variety of...
Stem Cell Niche
Multipotency and Niche of Bulge Stem Cell
Ecological Niches
Plant Hormones

