Root growth sensing under water deficit: a mechanobiology paradigm from root cell to system.

Abstract

The balance between cell division, regulated cellular expansion, and differentiation in the root apical meristem directs primary root growth in Arabidopsis. Cellular expansion requires cell wall controlled relaxation, which ensures cell integrity during the expansion process. In field conditions, the soil changes its hysicochemical properties in the micro-scale exposing the root to different kinds of stress, among them osmotic stress. Our work aims to dissect root growth and cellular adaptation to osmotic stress by studying root growth parameters, cell wall physical properties and hormonal signaling in osmotic stress hypersensitive mutants.