'Radicle' biochemistry: the biology of root-specific metabolism.
The roots of higher plants are a fascinating and largely unexplored biological frontier. One of their features is the ability to synthesize a remarkable diversity of secondary metabolites, and to adjust their metabolic activities in response to biotic and abiotic stress. This includes the ability to exude a complex array of micro- and macromolecules into the rhizosphere, with the potential to affect the inter-relationships between plants and beneficial or deleterious soil-borne organisms. In the past, research on root biology has been hampered by the underground growth habit of roots and by the lack of a suitable experimental system. However, recent progess in growing roots in isolation has greatly facilitated the study of root-specific metabolism and contributed to our understanding of this remarkable plant organ.
Flores
HE
Dept of Plant Pathology and Life Sciences Consortium, 315 Wartik Building, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
Vivanco
JM
Loyola-Vargas
VM