(IMAGE)

Institute of Science and Technology Austria

Caption

The process in detail: A molecular framework for root saprotropism guiding navigation around microbial decay. Microbial decay establishes a soil microenvironment characterized by stable acidic pH gradients. This pH asymmetry is sensed by the epidermal pH sensor, RGF-RGFR peptide-receptor module, which converts it into asymmetric abscisic acid (ABA) distribution. ABA asymmetry drives microtubule-dependent anisotropic cell expansion and handed root twisting, ultimately steering roots away from hostile decay zones.  

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© Bao et al. / Science

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