Researchers developed a cost-effective protocol for plant sample preparation and visualization, eliminating the need for stains and dyes. The new method harnesses the natural autofluorescence of tissues in plants, allowing for rapid visualization of plant anatomy across diverse taxa.
The spikemoss genome reveals that the transition from mosses to plants with vascular systems didn't involve as many genes as going from a vascular plant without flowers to one with them. The genome also sheds light on lignin, a polymer challenging biofuels researchers, and offers strategic research opportunities.
The sequencing of the Selaginella genome provides a unique insight into plant evolution, revealing new genetic mechanisms and potential sources for pharmaceuticals. By comparing this genome with others, researchers have identified genes that played important roles in the early evolution of vascular and flowering plants.
Convergent evolution of lignin synthesis in lycophytes reveals a novel pathway to engineer biomass composition. This discovery provides potential tools for improving digestibility and properties of biofuels, such as cellulosic ethanol.