Journal Article

The peri‐cell‐cycle in Arabidopsis

Beeckman, Tom, Inzé, Dirk, Burssens, Sylvia

2001

Overview

The root systems of plants proliferate via de novo formed meristems originating from differentiated pericycle cells. The identity of putative signals responsible for triggering some of the pericycle cells to re‐enter the cell cycle remains unknown. Here, the cell cycle regulation in the pericycle of seedling roots of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. is studied shortly after germination using various strategies. Based on the detailed analysis of the promoter‐β‐glucuronidase activity of four key cell cycle regulatory genes, combined with cell length measurements, microdensitometry of DNA content, and experiments with a cell cycle‐blocking agent, a model is proposed for cell cycle regulation in the pericycle at the onset of lateral root initiation. The results clearly show that before the first lateral root is initiated, the pericycle consists of dissimilar cell files in respect of their cell division history. Depending on the distance behind the root tip and on position in relation to the vascular tissue, particular pericycle cells remain in the G2 phase of the cell cycle and are apparently more susceptible to lateral root initiation than others.

• Publisher: Oxford University Press,OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
• Subject: Arabidopsis - anatomy & histology / Arabidopsis - cytology / Arabidopsis - drug effects / Arabidopsis - genetics / Arabidopsis thaliana / beta-glucuronidase / Cell cycle / Cell Cycle - drug effects / cell differentiation / Cell division / Cyclin B - genetics / Cyclin B1 / DNA / DNA, Plant - analysis / Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental - drug effects / Gene Expression Regulation, Plant - drug effects / Genes, cdc / Genes, Plant - genetics / Germination / Hydroxyurea - pharmacology / Interphase / lateral root initiation / pericycle / Phloem / Plant roots / Plant Roots - anatomy & histology / Plant Roots - cytology / Plant Roots - drug effects / Plant Roots - genetics / promoter regions / Promoter Regions, Genetic - genetics / reporter genes / root branching / Root development / Root initiation / root meristems / root systems / Root tips / seed germination / Seedlings / Xylem