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Updated: Jul 25, 2025

Using High Resolution Computed Tomography to Visualize the Three Dimensional Structure and Function of Plant Vasculature
Published on: April 5, 2013
The dynamic multi-functionality of leaf water transport outside the xylem.
Christine Scoffoni1, Caetano Albuquerque1, Thomas N Buckley2
1Department of Biological Sciences, California State University Los Angeles, 5151 State University Dr., Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA.
Plants show significant dehydration vulnerability outside the xylem, impacting water transport and leaf function. These outside-xylem pathways are crucial for regulating water status, gas exchange, and growth.
Area of Science:
- Plant physiology
- Plant hydraulics
Background:
- Recent studies highlight low leaf xylem vulnerability to drought.
- Outside-xylem pathways in leaves are less studied but highly sensitive.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate outside-xylem hydraulic responses in leaves under various conditions.
- Understand the role of outside-xylem pathways in plant water relations.
Main Methods:
- Examined hydraulic responses in 34 species.
- Conducted detailed experiments on radial water movement.
Main Results:
- Substantial dehydration vulnerability found in outside-xylem pathways across species.
- Dynamic outside-xylem responses identified, influenced by light and radial water movement.
- Radial water movement across the vein bundle sheath is a key control point.
Conclusions:
- Outside-xylem pathways are critical for controlling leaf water status and resilience.
- Dynamic outside-xylem responses are vital for gas exchange and plant growth, complementing xylem function during drought.
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Published on: December 31, 2012
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