plant roots

Biologists have uncovered a fascinating new insight into the unseen side of plant biology - the root. Although less visible than shoots, leaves and flowers, plant roots are critical to our lives.

They provide the crops we eat with water, nutrients, a firm anchor and a place to store food.

Researchers have identified two proteins responsible for mechanosensitive ion channel activities in plant roots. Scientists have long known that plant cells respond to physical forces.

Until now, however, the proteins controlling the ion channel response remained a mystery.

(Washington University in St. Louis) Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have been the first to identify two proteins responsible for mechanosensitive ion channel activities in plant roots.

Scientists have long known that plant cells respond to physical forces. Until now, however, the proteins controlling the ion channel response remained a mystery.