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Reduced expression of α‐tubulin genes in Arabidopsis thaliana specifically affects root growth and morphology, root hair development and root gravitropism
Author(s) -
Bao Yiqun,
Kost Benedikt,
Chua NamHai
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
the plant journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.058
H-Index - 269
eISSN - 1365-313X
pISSN - 0960-7412
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-313x.2001.01142.x
Subject(s) - root hair , biology , microtubule , arabidopsis thaliana , microbiology and biotechnology , arabidopsis , root cap , tip growth , gravitropism , tubulin , cell division , lateral root , transgene , botany , cytoskeleton , ectopic expression , epidermis (zoology) , meristem , gene , genetics , shoot , cell , anatomy , pollen tube , mutant , pollen , pollination
Summary Different α‐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 α‐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.