http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120403085743.htm
Gustavo E. Gudesblat
April 3, 2012
Summary - Researchers have discovered the mechanism that regulates the stomata in plants. This is significant in protection against diseases and stress. Plants use hormones called Brassinosteroids to regulate the number of stomata, important especially during quick environmental change. More Brassinosteroids result in more stomata, and also improved disease and stress resistance, as well as healthy crops. Scientists discovered the effect of Brassinosteroids on the transcription factor of the gene regulating stomata.
Connection - The article relates to our unit on plants due to its relevance to leaf structure. The stomata, located on the underside of the leaf, regulate the exchange of gases of a plant, as well as the movement of water. The stomata are very important in the function of plants, and therefore knowledge of the controlling factors is also important. The article also relates to plant reproduction due to the involvement of Brassinosteroids in healthy crop production.
How do brassinnosteroids create stoma?
ReplyDeleteBrassinosteroids, like auxins, work in plants as hormones regulating gene expression. The brassinosteroids bind to an enzyme called GSK3, which inhibits transcription. This prevents the GSK3 from attaching to the DNA at the promoter site, and therefore allows the genes for stomata production to be expressed.
DeleteDo Brassinosteroids do anything else in the plant, or is regulating stoma the only thing it is used for?
ReplyDeleteBrassinosteroids have multiple functions in a plant. For example, they work with auxins to promote cell elongation. They play a role in cell plate production in cell division. They promote the differentiation of specialized vascular tissue from other cells. They are used in pollen growth and the use of the pollen tube.
DeleteDo Brassinosteroids do anything else in the plant, or is regulating stoma the only thing it is used for?
ReplyDelete