Program
| MSH1c | |
|---|---|
| Andrés Chavarría-Krauser | |
| University of Heidelberg, Germany | |
| Title | A mathematical model of primary root growth |
| Abstract | In young plants, primary roots need to be able to grow with high rates to ensure delivery of water and nutrients. In the elongation zone relative elemental growth rates of up to 50 %/h are common. It stands to reason that coordination of proliferation and elongation is essential to keep these high expansion rates. A simple 1-D model of a primary root, which assumes that the root is composed essentially of three regions: meristem, elongation zone and mature zone, will be presented. Transition between the zones, and hence, coordination of growth is achieved by introduction of two hypothetical hormones. One is produced in the root tip itself, while the other is assumed to be transported polarly from the plant shoot towards the root tip. Cell expansion is described by the Lockhart equation and coupled to the hormone concentrations. Hence, the description used is semi-discrete. The approach chosen allowed to examine how the growth zone of primary roots might be regulated and how regulation copes with a physical model of cell expansion. In a near future, quantitative models of root growth will be needed. Therefore, to achieve this, it is a must to couple physical models of cell wall expansion with signal transduction (hormone transport) and regulatory networks. The model which will be presented can be seen as a small step into this direction. |
| Location | Woodward 1 |