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How plants mate for life and repel other suitors

Researchers observe internal reproduction process of Arabidopsis plant, revealing mechanism behind female flower's selective attraction to a single male counterpart. The study also uncovers a repulsion signal that discourages additional pollen tubes from approaching.

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Asexual propagation of crop plants gets closer

Researchers at the University of Zurich have discovered a signal that activates the female gamete in thale cress, a model plant species. This breakthrough could lead to the development of apomixis, a form of asexual reproduction that would allow crop plants to be propagated more easily and efficiently.

An internal thermometer tells the seeds when to germinate

Researchers at UNIGE discovered that seeds have an internal thermometer-like mechanism to delay or block germination if temperatures are too high. This mechanism is implemented by the endosperm tissue, which controls germination and seedling growth.

When mothers shut down the fathers’ genes in the embryo

Researchers found that Marchantia liverworts completely inactivate paternal genes in embryos, ensuring proper development. The mechanism involves Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 and maintains haploid dosage despite the short diploid phase.

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Profiling gene expression in plant embryos one nucleus at a time

Researchers developed a method to profile gene expression in Arabidopsis embryos at the single cell level, overcoming obstacles that hindered previous attempts. This approach provides insights into transcription profiles within each cell, enabling the discovery of gene expression patterns that distinguish early embryonic cell types.

Plant mothers talk to their embryos via the hormone auxin

Researchers find that a plant hormone called auxin from the mother plays a crucial role in regulating early embryo development in plants. The study, published in Nature Plants, reveals that increased maternal auxin production is necessary for normal embryo development and that auxin from the mother is essential for correct embryo growth.

Plants evolve ways to control embryo growth

A new study from the University of Warwick found that plant cells send specific signals to developing embryos to direct their growth and development. This discovery opens up possibilities for breeding more robust plant varieties with higher yields.

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Plant hormone auxin triggers a genetic switch

Researchers found that auxin promotes the breakdown of an inhibitor, leading to increased gene activity and maintaining embryonic development. The study revealed a regulatory network controlled by auxin, which boosts gene activity even after auxin concentration declines.

At long last, how plants make eggs

A team of scientists at UC Davis discovered that the plant hormone auxin is responsible for egg production in plants, providing new insights into evolutionary pathways and potential techniques to enhance crop reproduction. The study found that auxin concentrations determine the fate of nuclei within the reproductive structure.

Salk scientists get to the root of plant cell fate

Researchers at the Salk Institute identified a key role for the TOPLESS gene in plant development, enabling them to engineer plants to grow leaves or flowers instead of roots. This breakthrough allows for the manipulation of plant polarity later in embryogenesis, offering opportunities for agricultural improvements.

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Who Needs Flowers? Transgenic Plants Sprout Embryos On Leaves

Researchers successfully engineered a seed-building gene into a plant's leaves, resulting in the growth of embryonic tissue and roots on leaf surfaces. This breakthrough could lead to valuable innovations in food crops and revolutionize the production of oils and proteins from corn, canola, and soybeans.

Amphibian Mortality Due To UV Radiation

A Yale University study confirms that UV-B radiation from the sun causes high rates of mortality and deformity in certain frog and amphibian species. Shielded embryos had significantly lower deformities and mortality rates compared to unshielded ones.

At Life's Most Sensitive Stage, Embryos Cope With Stress

Researchers studied how embryos cope with stress, finding unique mechanisms such as toxin-repelling proteins and heat shock protection. These adaptations help embryos survive environmental insults, but may come at a cost in delayed development or growth restrictions.

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