Reaching the top through a tortuous path: helical growth in climbing plants

Author(s)

Sousa-Baena, Mariane S. ; Hernandes-Lopes, Jose ; Van Sluys, Marie-Anne

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Current Opinion in Plant Biology; v. 59, p. 8-pg., 2021-02-01.

Abstract

Climbing plants have voluble organs, for example, tendrils and modified stems, which twine up neighboring plants to reach the canopy. These organs perform exaggerated circumnutation, during which they grow towards the shaded areas of the forest (skototropism) to find a host. In response to mechanical stimulus, they grow towards the support (thigmotropism), tailoring their development to firmly attach to it (thigmomorphogenesis). The underlying molecular pathways of these crucial mechanisms are virtually unknown. Here, we review current progress on molecular regulation of the development and growth of climber's voluble organs. Recent advances in the subject point epigenetics and sensory biology as the emerging frontiers in the study of climbing plant's growth and functioning. We briefly review new developments on the molecular basis of plants' mechanosensory system, discussing the findings in the context of the climbing habit. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/07114-5 - Investigating the role of genes associated to helical growth in the development of climbing stems in Convolvulus arvensis and Autrobaileya scandens
• Grantee: Mariane Silveira de Sousa Baena
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 16/17545-8 - Genes, genomes & transposable elements contribution to plant-microbe interaction: a sugarcane study case
• Grantee: Marie-Anne Van Sluys
• Support Opportunities: Program for Research on Bioenergy (BIOEN) - Thematic Grants