A method to generate the surface cell layer of the 3D virtual shoot apex from apical initials

Identification of Chromosomal Regions and Candidate Genes for Round leaf Locus in Cucumis melo L

Leaf morphology plays a crucial role in plant classification and provides a significant model for studying plant diversity while directly impacting photosynthetic efficiency. In the case of melons, leaf shape not only influences production and classification but also represents a key genetic trait that requires further exploration. In this study, we utilized forward genetics to pinpoint a recessive locus, dubbed Cmrl (Round leaf), which is responsible for regulating melon leaf shape. Through bulked segregant analysis sequencing and extensive evaluation of a two-year F2 population, we successfully mapped the Cmrl locus to a 537.07 kb region on chromosome 8 of the melon genome. Subsequent genetic fine-mapping efforts, leveraging a larger F2 population encompassing 1322 plants and incorporating F2:3 phenotypic data, further refined the locus to an 80.27 kb interval housing five candidate genes. Promoter analysis and coding sequence cloning confirmed that one of these candidates, MELO3C019152.2 (Cmppr encoding a pentatricopeptide repeat-containing family protein, Cmppr), stands out as a strong candidate gene for the Cmrl locus. Notably, comparisons of Cmrl expressions across various stages of leaf development and different leaf regions suggest a pivotal role of Cmrl in the morphogenesis of melon leaves.

Shaping the Organ: A Biologist Guide to Quantitative Models of Plant Morphogenesis

Organ morphogenesis is the process of shape acquisition initiated with a small reservoir of undifferentiated cells. In plants, morphogenesis is a complex endeavor that comprises a large number of interacting elements, including mechanical stimuli, biochemical signaling, and genetic prerequisites. Because of the large body of data being produced by modern laboratories, solving this complexity requires the application of computational techniques and analyses. In the last two decades, computational models combined with wet-lab experiments have advanced our understanding of plant organ morphogenesis. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the most important achievements in the field of computational plant morphodynamics. We present a brief history from the earliest attempts to describe plant forms using algorithmic pattern generation to the evolution of quantitative cell-based models fueled by increasing computational power. We then provide an overview of the most common types of "digital plant" paradigms, and demonstrate how models benefit from diverse techniques used to describe cell growth mechanics. Finally, we highlight the development of computational frameworks designed to resolve organ shape complexity through integration of mechanical, biochemical, and genetic cues into a quantitative standardized and user-friendly environment.

Does Shoot Apical Meristem Function as the Germline in Safeguarding Against Excess of Mutations?

A genetic continuity of living organisms relies on the germline which is a specialized cell lineage producing gametes. Essential in the germline functioning is the protection of genetic information that is subjected to spontaneous mutations. Due to indeterminate growth, late specification of the germline, and unique longevity, plants are expected to accumulate somatic mutations during their lifetime that leads to decrease in individual and population fitness. However, protective mechanisms, similar to those in animals, exist in plant shoot apical meristem (SAM) allowing plants to reduce the accumulation and transmission of mutations. This review describes cellular- and tissue-level mechanisms related to spatio-temporal distribution of cell divisions, organization of stem cell lineages, and cell fate specification to argue that the SAM functions analogous to animal germline.

Molecular and Hormonal Regulation of Leaf Morphogenesis in Arabidopsis

Shoot apical meristems (SAM) are tissues that function as a site of continuous organogenesis, which indicates that a small pool of pluripotent stem cells replenishes into lateral organs. The coordination of intercellular and intracellular networks is essential for maintaining SAM structure and size and also leads to patterning and formation of lateral organs. Leaves initiate from the flanks of SAM and then develop into a flattened structure with variable sizes and forms. This process is mainly regulated by the transcriptional regulators and mechanical properties that modulate leaf development. Leaf initiation along with proper orientation is necessary for photosynthesis and thus vital for plant survival. Leaf development is controlled by different components such as hormones, transcription factors, miRNAs, small peptides, and epigenetic marks. Moreover, the adaxial/abaxial cell fate, lamina growth, and shape of margins are determined by certain regulatory mechanisms. The over-expression and repression of various factors responsible for leaf initiation, development, and shape have been previously studied in several mutants. However, in this review, we collectively discuss how these factors modulate leaf development in the context of leaf initiation, polarity establishment, leaf flattening and shape.

Topological traits of a cellular pattern versus growth rate anisotropy in radish roots

The topology of a cellular pattern, which means the spatial arrangement of cells, directly corresponds with cell packing, which is crucial for tissue and organ functioning. The topological features of cells that are typically analyzed are the number of their neighbors and the cell area. To date, the objects of most topological studies have been the growing cells of the surface tissues of plant and animal organs. Some of these researches also provide verification of Lewis's Law concerning the linear correlation between the number of neighboring cells and the cell area. Our aim was to analyze the cellular topology and applicability of Lewis's Law to an anisotropically growing plant organ. The object of our study was the root apex of radish. Based on the tensor description of plant organ growth, we specified the level of anisotropy in specific zones (the root proper, the columella of the cap and the lateral parts of the cap) and in specific types of both external (epidermis) and internal tissues (stele and ground tissue) of the apex. The strongest anisotropy occurred in the root proper, while both zones of the cap showed an intermediate level of anisotropy of growth. Some differences in the topology of the cellular pattern in the zones were also detected; in the root proper, six-sided cells predominated, while in the root cap columella and in the lateral parts of the cap, most cells had five neighbors. The correlation coefficient rL between the number of neighboring cells and the cell area was high in the apex as a whole as well as in all of the zones except the root proper and in all of the tissue types except the ground tissue. In general, Lewis's Law was fulfilled in the anisotropically growing radish root apex. However, the level of the applicability (rL value) of Lewis's Law was negatively correlated with the level of the anisotropy of growth, which may suggest that in plant organs in the regions of anisotropic growth, the number of neighboring cells is less dependent on the cell size.