Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2025

Measuring Spatial and Temporal Ca2+ Signals in Arabidopsis Plants
Published on: September 2, 2014
Convergence between Development and Stress: Ectopic Xylem Formation in Arabidopsis Hypocotyl in Response to
Diego Piacentini1, Federica Della Rovere1, Simone D'Angeli1
1Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
Ectopic xylary element (EXE) formation in planta is a poorly investigated process, and it is unknown if it occurs as a response to the soil pollutant Cadmium (Cd). The pericycle cells of Arabidopsis thaliana hypocotyl give rise to EXEs under specific hormonal inputs. Cadmium triggers pericycle responses, but its role in EXE formation is unknown. Brassinosteroids (BRs) affect numerous developmental events, including xylogenesis in vitro, and their exogenous application by 24-epibrassinolide (eBL) helps to alleviate Cd-stress by increasing lateral/adventitious rooting. Epibrassinolide's effects on EXEs in planta are unknown, as well as its relationship with Cd in the control of the process. The research aims to establish an eBL role in pericycle EXE formation, a Cd role in the same process, and the possible interaction between the two. Results show that 1 nM eBL causes an identity reversal between the metaxylem and protoxylem within the stele, and its combination with Cd reduces the event. All eBL concentrations increase EXEs, also affecting xylary identity by changing from protoxylem to metaxylem in a concentration-dependent manner. Cadmium does not affect EXE identity but increases EXEs when combined with eBL. The results suggest that eBL produces EXEs to form a mechanical barrier against the pollutant.
Related Concept Videos
Responses to Salt Stress
Adaptations that Reduce Water Loss
Responses to Drought and Flooding
Cell Signaling in Plants
C4 Pathway and CAM
C4 Pathway
The C4 pathway is used by plants such as...

