Contents
Introduction 11
Cellular origins of root meristems 12
Regulation of cell identity in the root 13
Hormonal signals in root development 14
The genetics of root pattern 19
Root architecture: regulation of de novo root formation 24
Conclusions 33
References 33
Summary
The plant root plays a range of roles, such as in the acquisition of water and nutrients, the provision of structural support and as the site of interactions with mycorrhizae, nitrogen fixing organisms (in certain taxa) and diverse pests and pathogens. It also provides an important experimental system to study different aspects of plant organogenesis, including the regulation of pattern formation, cell division, intercellular signalling and cell differentiation. With the completion of the Arabidopsis sequencing programme, and the availability of very large collections of Arabidopsis mutants, it is feasible rapidly to gain new information on the control of each of these aspects of root development. Drawing principally from experimental work using this model organism, which has proved extremely amenable to genetic and physiological analysis, we aim to bring together recent advances in knowledge and understanding of the molecular basis of root organogenesis, from origins in embryogenesis to postgermination architecture.