Fine roots from four tree species in a 26-year common garden study showed distinct microbiome and metabolome differences. Sequencing revealed that bacteria and fungi on root surfaces and surrounding soil differ significantly between absorptive and transportive fine roots. This emphasizes the need to consider root function in root-microbial interaction studies.
Researchers have visualized chloroplast RNA polymerase PEP in 3D, crucial for photosynthesis. The study unveils insights into its structure and function, essential for gene activation. This groundbreaking work aids understanding of photosynthesis evolution, potentially influencing future biotechnological applications.
Regardless of how one says “tomato,” they all contain tomatine, a toxin in the plant’s green fruit, leaves, and roots. Tomatoes produce the bitter-tasting compound—a major plant-specialized metabolite secreted from the roots—to defend against pathogens and foragers.
Plant scientists team up to pinpoint the exact mechanism that controls epigenetic inheritance in plants. Their discovery could have implications for agriculture, food supplies, the environment, and our understanding of the human genome.
A research group identified a genetic sequence in thale cress that is essential for plant reproduction. As this region is found in all plant species, it is expected to contribute to future crossbreeding between plant species.
Scientists shed light on how harmful fungi evade recognition by their plant hosts and aid infection.
What happens inside the carnivorous plant Venus Flytrap when it catches an insect? New technology has led to discoveries about the electrical signalling that causes the trap to snap shut. Bioelectronic technology enables advanced research into how plants react to their surroundings, and to stress.
New research has identified a new protein complex in plants that regulates temperature response by the circadian clock. As climate change influences daily and seasonal temperature patterns – such as warmer nights and winters – it is critical to better understand how plants interpret and react to thermal cues.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are toxic compounds generated by living systems through aerobic respiration and photosynthesis. Now, researchers have studied the mechanism to regulate the activity of ROS-producing enzymes and revealed that ROS is involved in the growth of spruce and synthesis of lignin, a key cell wall component. The findings could help develop technologies for producing valuable timber-based materials and boost the growth of coniferous trees.
Insights into gene and protein control systems that regulate the use of nitrogen by plant roots could help develop crops that require less nitrogenous fertilizers to produce acceptable yields.
