Meristem Growth

The shoot apical meristem is a group of cells located at the tip of plant stems and is responsible for the initiation of leaves, flowers and stem segments. Recent work in collaboration with Dr. Dorota Kwiatkowska (Wroclaw University, Poland) has focused on the mechanical deformation (strains) of the shoot meristem in Anagallis. We are following up on our three-dimensional strain measurements to elucidate the mechanics of a large group of cells such as plant meristems and see what are the implications for the patterning of lateral organs; a question that has remained elusive for decades.

Fig.1: Growth sequence of the shoot apical meristem of Anagallis arvensis. Two cells have been outlined to show their expansion and division over time.

Fig.2: Three dimensional reconstruction of the shoot apical meristem of Anagallis arvensis.