September 2022
A versatile new technique to visualise lipids in arbuscules has been outlined in a new research paper by Crop Science Centre scientists. Lipids are used by plants to nourish arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and are therefore an important part of the plant-fungi symbiotic relationship.
The lead author, Hector Sommerfield, said “Some genes have been assumed to be pivotal for symbiotic lipid biosynthesis and transfer to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Now, thanks to this technique it is possible to visualise lipids to scrutinise the function of these genes”.
This technique could support research into many of the genes believed to be related to plant-fungi symbiosis. The method proved to be easy to implement in five different plant species. In fact, this technique has already enabled the first visualisation of lipids in a linage of plants with a gene changed to impair symbiotic lipid dynamics.
This method involves treating roots with a combination of a fluorescent red chitin dye and blue lipid dye, which can be seen on the accompanying image. This enables the treated roots to be viewed in a confocal microscope.
A link to the paper can be found here: https://doi.org/10.1111/tpj.15934
News
February 2024
Two genetic factors previously linked to above-ground shoot development are essential to differentiate symbiotic root nodules from lateral roots
News
December 2023
CRISPR: The cutting-edge solution to tackle parasitic plant threats
News
June 2023
Visit us at the Festival of Plants
News
May 2023
Uta Paszkowski elected to the German National Academy of Sciences
News
May 2023
Giles Oldroyd appointed British Science Festival Section President
News
April 2023
New grant to develop COVID vaccine-like technology to revolutionise the study of plant-parasites
News
March 2023
The Precision Breeding Bill has passed into law
News
March 2023
A road map toward self-fertilising cereal crops
News
February 2023
New microscopy suite builds the Crop Science Centre’s capability
News
January 2023
Cambridge-led consortium receives $35m to boost crop production sustainably in sub-Saharan Africa
News
January 2023
Mysterious parasite: How plants develop parasitic organs
News
November 2022
Beneficial fungi induce lateral root development via a generic mechanism
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: The Crop Science Centre, Lawrence Weaver Rd, Cambridge, CB3 0LE, GB. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact.