The impact of mechanical stress on anatomy, morphology, and gene expression in Urtica dioica L.

Mechanical stress induces distinct anatomical, molecular, and morphological changes in Urtica dioica, affecting trichome development, gene expression, and leaf morphology under controlled conditions The experiments were performed on common nettle, a widely known plant characterized by high variability of leaf morphology and responsiveness to mechanical touch. A specially constructed experimental device was used to study the impact of mechanical stress on Urtica dioica plants under strictly controlled parameters of the mechanical stimulus (touching) and environment in the growth chamber. The general anatomical structure of the plants that were touched was similar to that of control plants, but the shape of the internodes' cross section was different.

K and Cl channels/transporters independently fine-tune photosynthesis in plants.

In variable light environments, plants adjust light use in photosynthetic electron transport and photoprotective dissipation in the thylakoid membrane. In this respect, roles of the K/H antiporter KEA3, the Cl channel/transporter CLCe and the voltage-dependent Cl channel VCCN1 have been unraveled in Arabidopsis thaliana. Here we report that they independently adjust photosynthesis on the basis of analyses using single and higher order loss-of-function mutants.

Expression Analysis of Genes in Root Tips and Nodules of .

Auxins are postulated to be one of the pivotal factors in nodulation. However, their transporters in , the model species for the study of the development of determinate-type root nodules, have been scarcely described so far, and thus their role in nodulation has remained unknown. Our research is the first focusing on polar auxin transporters in .