Plant Stem Cell Breakthrough

Scientific researchers at University of California, Riverside, have identified and mapped the genes of plant stem cells, leading to the development of better plants and crops.

Stem cells are vital in determining the functions that a certain cell will undergo within an organism such as, in this case, a plant. The scientists studied the stem cells of a mustard-like plant (Arabidopsis), which are found in a structure called the shoot apical meristem (SAM). The cells are tightly packed and surrounded by a waxy coating and there are only approximately 35 cells within each SAM so extraction of the stem cells is extremely difficult. To counteract this problem, the scientists created mutant varieties of this plant (species that make more SAMs per plant) and used artificial enzymes to break down cell walls that were inhibiting access to the stem cell genomes.

The yellow-dyed cells indicate the SAM in

which plant stem cells are found

(Credit: Reddy lab, UC Riverside)

Once scientists had access to the stem cell genomes, they were able to see the molecular basis of plant stem cells and better understand the role of stem cells and their importance in determining cell architecture and function. They can determine which genes are expressed within each cell and identify each stem cell individually. This can lead to artificial alterations of plants and crops and maximise the produce of species which may be ultimately good news for farmers. It can also lead to the control of growth rates, growth patterns and plant architecture, which is all determined by the stem cells. They may also be able to better understand the make-up of complex tissue which are created by the genomes of stem cells.

Now that scientists have made this breakthrough, they will now be able to create genetic stem cell maps for more species, resulting in an atlas of stem cell maps.

Original article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090224154910.htm University of California - Riverside (2009, March 6). Stem-cell Genes That Help Form Plant Organs Identified. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 14, 2009

Joshua Timmer s4119684