Genetic control of stem cell fate in plant roots

Abstract

Plant Development![Figure][1] Arabidopsis embryo seedling PHOTO: BRIAN CRAWFORD/UCSD Without roots, most plants cannot thrive. Crawford et al. have now unearthed the robust control systems that build roots. Signaling by the plant hormone auxin triggers three genes that control the development of stem cells forming the root. With this trio of genes, any one of which can do the job, root development is backed up with fail-safe controls. The team could use the same system of controls to sprout roots in the wrong places, making roots instead of shoots. Science , this issue p. [655][2] [1]: pending:yes [2]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.aaa0196