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Biology subjects

Zheku, J.

Publications and source records attributed to Zheku, J..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

Simultaneous triple staining for detecting cell-type specific spatio-temporal distribution of cell wall materials in monocot roots

O_LIAnatomical and histochemical imaging of grass root systems relies on tissue sectioning and cell wall staining dyes because molecular reporter lines are limited for most organisms. C_LIO_LIDistinct staining dyes require variable incubation time and concentration across different tissues and organisms. As a result, staining with multiple dyes becomes time consuming or challenging. Here, we report a rapid method to perform simultaneous triple staining on a glass slide. The entire protocol requires [~]4 hours and a smaller volume of stain than traditional methods. C_LIO_LIWe tested this method using the roots of two economically important crops, Triticum aestivum (wheat) and Zea mays (maize), as proof of concept. We have also demonstrated the presence of exodermis in wheat roots. Additionally, we identified the formation of polar lignin caps in maize exodermis using our simultaneous triple staining method. C_LIO_LIThis method empowers a quantitative approach to cell biology by elucidating cell-type specific spatio-temporal distribution of cell wall materials in monocot root systems. C_LI

plant biology↗

Toxic metals increase root hair density by reducing epidermal cell length

Root hair cells, which are instrumental in water and nutrient uptake, grow polarly from the epidermal cell layer of the root. Furthermore, plants growing in challenging climates and complex soil environments acclimatize their root hair phenotypes, either by altering root hair length or density. Toxic metal stress is one of the major environmental stresses faced by plant roots. In this study, we demonstrate that toxic metals, such as chromium and arsenite, increase root hair density as an adaptive response. Using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and other crops plants, like Zea mays and Triticum aestivum, we further discovered that increased root hair density is caused by shorter epidermal cell length rather than alteration of epidermal cell fate. This study highlights the adaptive cellular and anatomical features of roots during toxic metal stress in evolutionary diverse plant species.

plant biology↗