Defective secretion of mucilage is the cellular basis for agravitropism in primary roots of Zea mays cv. Ageotropic

The root cap at the forefront

Two essential functions are associated with the root tip: first of all, it ensures a sustained growth of the root system thanks to its role in protecting the stem cell zone responsible for cell division and differentiation. In addition, it is capable of detecting environmental changes at the root cap level, and this property provides a crucial advantage considering that this tissue is located at the forefront of soil exploration. Using results obtained mainly with the plant model Arabidopsis, we summarize the description of the structure of root cap and the known molecular mechanisms regulating its functioning. We briefly review the various responses of the root cap related to the interaction between the plant and its environment, such as phototropism, gravitropism, hydrotropism, mineral composition of the soil and protection against pathogens.

MUCILAGE-MODIFIED4 encodes a putative pectin biosynthetic enzyme developmentally regulated by APETALA2, TRANSPARENT TESTA GLABRA1, and GLABRA2 in the Arabidopsis seed coat

The Arabidopsis seed coat epidermis undergoes a complex process of differentiation that includes the biosynthesis and secretion of large quantities of pectinaceous mucilage, cytoplasmic rearrangement, and secondary cell wall biosynthesis. Mutations in MUM4 (MUCILAGE-MODIFIED4) lead to a decrease in seed coat mucilage and incomplete cytoplasmic rearrangement. We show that MUM4 encodes a putative NDP-l-rhamnose synthase, an enzyme required for the synthesis of the pectin rhamnogalacturonan I, the major component of Arabidopsis mucilage. This result suggests that the synthesis of monosaccharide substrates is a limiting factor in the biosynthesis of pectinaceous seed coat mucilage. In addition, the reduced cytoplasmic rearrangement observed in the absence of a key enzyme in pectin biosynthesis in mum4 mutants establishes a causal link between mucilage production and cellular morphogenesis. The cellular phenotype seen in mum4 mutants is similar to that of several transcription factors (AP2 [APETALA2], TTG1 [TRANSPARENT TESTA GLABRA1], TTG2 MYB61, and GL2 [GLABRA2]). Expression studies suggest that MUM4 is developmentally regulated in the seed coat by AP2, TTG1, and GL2, whereas TTG2 and MYB61 appear to be regulating mucilage production through alternate pathway(s). Our results provide a framework for the regulation of mucilage production and secretory cell differentiation.

Meristem-specific suppression of mitosis and a global switch in gene expression in the root cap of pea by endogenous signals

Two functionally distinct sets of meristematic cells exist within root tips of pea (Pisum sativum): the root apical meristem, which gives rise to the body of the root; and the root cap meristem, which gives rise to cells that differentiate progressively through the cap and separate ultimately from its periphery as border cells. When a specific number of border cells has accumulated on the root cap periphery, mitosis within the root cap meristem, but not the apical meristem, is suppressed. When border cells are removed by immersion of the root tip in water, a transient induction of mitosis in the root cap meristem can be detected starting within 5 min. A corresponding switch in gene expression throughout the root cap occurs in parallel with the increase in mitosis, and new border cells begin to separate from the root cap periphery within 1 h. The induction of renewed border cell production is inhibited by incubating root tips in extracellular material released from border cells. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that operation of the root cap meristem and consequent turnover of the root cap is self-regulated by a signal from border cells.

The epidermal surface of the maize root tip: II. Abnormalities in a mutant which grows crookedly through soil

The mutation Ageotropic (Agt) results in defective development of the surface pellicle which overlies the young epidermal cells of mesocotyl and nodal roots of maize. In roots of plants of the parent, cv. Kys, pellicle development is normal. This structure forms a coherent, smooth covering, up to ∼ 13/μm thick, over the epidermal cells distal to the elongation zone. This pellicle is external to the helicoidal outer wall of the epidermal cells and is composed of a thick inner layer with close-packed, longitudinally oriented fibrils, and a thin outer layer with less regularly oriented fibrils. Both layers of the normal pellicle and the underlying epidermal wall are strongly stained by the periodic acid-Schiff's (PAS) reaction. In Agt plants, the pellicle is irregular and diffuse, lacks definition of the two layers and is largely amorphous with occasional wisps of fibrils. Neither this mutant pellicle nor the underlying epidermal wall are PAS-positive. Mesocotyl and nodal roots of Agt are sensitive to gravity but grow crookedly through soil. It is proposed that a normal pellicle maintains the smooth outer contour of young roots and provides stiffness in the region distal to the zone of elongation. When the pellicle is defective, the root tip is more compliant and bends result when the tip encounters small air spaces and barriers in the soil.