Recent advances in understanding plant cuticle biogenesis
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 11, 2026

Use of Arabidopsis eceriferum Mutants to Explore Plant Cuticle Biosynthesis
Published on: May 31, 2008
1Department of Life Science and Stress-Responding Bionanomaterial Center, Sogang University, Seoul 04107, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
The plant cuticle, a hydrophobic barrier composed of cuticular waxes and cutin polyesters, is essential for protecting plants against drought, UV radiation, excessive heat, surface contamination, and pathogen attack. Recent studies have expanded our classical view of the cuticle from a passive, static layer to a dynamic composite interface that actively interacts with the cell wall and adapts in response to prevailing environmental conditions. Furthermore, the significance of the cuticle beyond the aerial parts of the plant, including the embryo, root cap, and wound sites, is emerging as an important area of investigation in the context of cuticle biogenesis. In this review, we summarize the fundamental features of the plant cuticle and highlight recent advances in understanding how cuticle formation is regulated during development and in response to environmental stress.
Related Concept Videos
Introduction to Plant Diversity
Adaptations that Reduce Water Loss
Morphogenesis
Plant Cell Wall
Plant Cell Wall
Seed Structure and Early Development of the Sporophyte

