Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 25, 2025
12:18
A Strategy to Validate the Role of Callose-mediated Plasmodesmal Gating in the Tropic Response
Published on: April 17, 2016
10.6K
Auxin fluxes through plasmodesmata modify root-tip auxin distribution
Nathan L Mellor1, Ute Voß1, George Janes1
1Division of Plant and Crop Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK.
Development (Cambridge, England)
|April 2, 2020
Summary
Plant root development relies on auxin distribution. This study reveals that auxin movement through plasmodesmata, alongside cell membrane carriers, is crucial for accurate auxin patterning in Arabidopsis roots.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Systems Biology
Background:
- Auxin is a critical plant hormone regulating growth and development.
- Auxin transport is primarily mediated by efflux and influx carriers on cell membranes.
- Plasmodesmata, as intercellular pores, offer a potential symplastic pathway for molecule movement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of plasmodesmata in auxin distribution within the Arabidopsis root tip.
- To develop and validate a multicellular model incorporating both carrier-mediated and symplastic auxin transport.
- To determine if plasmodesmata are essential for accurate auxin patterning.
Main Methods:
- Developed a multicellular computational model of the Arabidopsis root tip.
- Utilized the DII-VENUS auxin response reporter to observe auxin distribution.
- Employed genetic and chemical perturbations to manipulate auxin fluxes.
- Validated model predictions against experimental data.
Main Results:
- Carrier-mediated transport alone could not fully explain experimentally observed auxin distribution.
- A composite model including plasmodesmatal auxin flux accurately recapitulated root-tip auxin distribution.
- Auxin transport via plasmodesmata was found to facilitate auxin reflux and increase overall root-tip auxin levels.
Conclusions:
- Plasmodesmatal auxin transport is a significant factor in plant root development.
- A combined model of carrier-mediated and symplastic transport is necessary to understand auxin patterning.
- Plasmodesmata actively modify auxin distribution established by membrane transporters.
Related Concept Videos
01:46The Apoplast and Symplast
53.3K
Plant growth depends on its ability to take up water and dissolved minerals from the soil. The root system of every plant is equipped with the necessary tissues to facilitate the entry of water and solutes. The plant tissues involved in the transport of water and minerals have two major compartments - the apoplast and the symplast. The apoplast includes everything outside the plasma membrane of living cells and consists of cell walls, extracellular spaces, xylem, phloem, and tracheids. The...
53.3K
02:32Plasmodesmata
34.8K
The organs in a multicellular organism’s body are made up of tissues formed by cells. To work together cohesively, cells must communicate. One way that cells communicate is through direct contact with other cells. The points of contact that connect adjacent cells are called intercellular junctions.
34.8K
01:20Plasmodesmata
3.6K
In a multicellular organism, cells must communicate to work together in a coordinated manner. One way that cells communicate is through direct contact with other cells. The points of contact that connect adjacent cells are called intercellular junctions.
Intercellular junctions are a feature of fungal, plant, and animal cells. However, different types of junctions are found in different kinds of cells. Intercellular junctions found in animal cells include tight junctions, gap junctions, and...
Intercellular junctions are a feature of fungal, plant, and animal cells. However, different types of junctions are found in different kinds of cells. Intercellular junctions found in animal cells include tight junctions, gap junctions, and...
3.6K
02:12Short-distance Transport of Resources
17.3K
Short-distance transport refers to transport that occurs over a distance of just 2-3 cells, crossing the plasma membrane in the process. Small uncharged molecules, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water, can diffuse across the plasma membrane on their own. In contrast, ions and larger molecules require the assistance of transport proteins due to their charge or size. Transport across membranes also occurs within individual cells, playing a variety of essential roles for the plant as a whole.
17.3K
03:02Primary and Secondary Growth in Roots and Shoots
59.8K
Vascular plants, which account for over 90% of the Earth’s vegetation, all undergo primary growth—which lengthens roots and shoots. Many land plants, notably woody plants, also undergo secondary growth—which thickens roots and shoots.
59.8K
02:26Responses to Gravity and Touch
41.5K
Gravitropism: Plant Responses to Gravity
41.5K