In his first talk, Philip Benfey gives an overview of root genetics and his work to identify genes that are involved in the process that takes a stem cell to a differentiated tissue. He explains how mutant Arabidopsis plants with shorter roots helped his lab understand how specific genes are expressed in plant roots, and how these genes affect root function. He reveals how a protein encoded by a gene called SHORTROOT moves from the vascular tissue to the endodermis to induce expression of another gene called SCARECROW. This whole complex is the on-off switch that causes certain root cells to divide and differentiate properly. Benfey also talks about how these genes can be used to change cell identity.
View the full talk with additional resources on our website
Root Development: Genetics, Form, and Function
Philip Benfey gives an overview of plant genetics and the cellular differentiation pathway that takes stem cells to organized tissues in the roots of plants. (Talk recorded in December 2019)
- Part 1: Introduction to Root GeneticsAudience:
- Student
- Researcher
- Educators
- Educators of H. School / Intro Undergrad
- Educators of Adv. Undergrad / Grad
Duration: 00:29:17 - Part 2: Root Form and FunctionAudience:
- Student
- Researcher
- Educators
- Educators of H. School / Intro Undergrad
- Educators of Adv. Undergrad / Grad
Duration: 00:31:28