stemceller's Journal: Scientists Find Stem Cell Switch In Plants

Science Daily

reports scientists at the Norwich BioScience Institutes have discovered how plant stem cells in roots detect soil structure and whether it is favourable for growth. The research team determined that the hormone ethylene regulates cell division in root stem cells. Ethylene is known to play a role in perceiving and communicating environmental cues. As in humans, plant stem cells are the source of all growth. The defining characteristics of stem cells are that they are able to either regenerate themselves or produce other types of cells. The ultimate source of cells in the root is the 'quiescent center', a group of four stem cells that divides infrequently and can produce any type of cell in the root. This study proved that ethylene is the cue needed to promote cell division.