Reduced expression of a-tubulin genes in Arabidopsis thaliana specifically affects root growth and morphology, root hair development and root gravitropism

Bao YQ, Kost B, Chua NH (2001)


Publication Status: Published

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2001

Journal

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Book Volume: 28

Pages Range: 145-157

Journal Issue: 2

DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-313X.2001.01142.x

Abstract

Different alpha -tubulin cDNA sequences fused in an antisense orientation to a CaMV 35S promoter were introduced into Arabidopsis thaliana plants. Several independent transgenic lines that showed a moderate but clear reduction of alpha -tubulin gene expression (TUA6/AS lines) were obtained and phenotypically characterized. Although no apparent abnormalities were detected in the aerial parts of TUA6/AS plants, root development was severely affected. Cells in TUA6/AS root tips were found to contain aberrant microtubular structures, to expand abnormally and to be unable to undergo regular cell division. These cellular defects caused a dramatic radial expansion of the root tip and inhibited root elongation. In addition, TUA6/AS roots displayed ectopic formation of root hairs, root hair branching and a reduced ability to respond to gravitropic challenges. Our results contribute to an improved understanding of the different roles microtubules play during root development and demonstrate that reverse genetics is a powerful tool to analyze cytoskeletal functions during plant organogenesis.

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APA:

Bao, Y.-Q., Kost, B., & Chua, N.-H. (2001). Reduced expression of a-tubulin genes in Arabidopsis thaliana specifically affects root growth and morphology, root hair development and root gravitropism. Plant Journal, 28(2), 145-157. https://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-313X.2001.01142.x

MLA:

Bao, Yi-Qun, Benedikt Kost, and Nam-Hai Chua. "Reduced expression of a-tubulin genes in Arabidopsis thaliana specifically affects root growth and morphology, root hair development and root gravitropism." Plant Journal 28.2 (2001): 145-157.

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