The mechanics of plant morphogenesis

Enrico Coen; Daniel J. Cosgrove

doi:10.1126/science.ade8055

journal article Feb 03, 2023

The mechanics of plant morphogenesis

Enrico Coen

Daniel J. Cosgrove

Science Vol. 379 No. 6631 · American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

View at Publisher Save 10.1126/science.ade8055

Abstract

Understanding the mechanism by which patterned gene activity leads to mechanical deformation of cells and tissues to create complex forms is a major challenge for developmental biology. Plants offer advantages for addressing this problem because their cells do not migrate or rearrange during morphogenesis, which simplifies analysis. We synthesize results from experimental analysis and computational modeling to show how mechanical interactions between cellulose fibers translate through wall, cell, and tissue levels to generate complex plant tissue shapes. Genes can modify mechanical properties and stresses at each level, though the values and pattern of stresses differ from one level to the next. The dynamic cellulose network provides elastic resistance to deformation while allowing growth through fiber sliding, which enables morphogenesis while maintaining mechanical strength.

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References

Details

Published: Feb 03, 2023
Vol/Issue: 379(6631)

Authors

E

Enrico Coen

Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK.

D

Daniel J. Cosgrove

Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16870, USA.

Cite This Article

Enrico Coen, Daniel J. Cosgrove (2023). The mechanics of plant morphogenesis. Science, 379(6631). https://doi.org/10.1126/science.ade8055

The mechanics of plant morphogenesis

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