title: Quantification of root gravitropic response using a constant stimulus feedback system.
abstract: Numerous software packages now exist for quantifying root growth responses, most of which analyze a time resolved sequence of images ex post facto. However, few allow for the real-time analysis of growth responses. The system in routine use in our lab allows for real-time growth analysis and couples this to positional feedback to control the stimulus experienced by the responding root. This combination allows us to overcome one of the confounding variables in studies of root gravity response. Seedlings are grown on standard petri plates attached to a vertical rotating stage and imaged using infrared illumination. The angle of a particular region of the root is determined by image analysis, compared to the prescribed angle, and any corrections in positioning are made by controlling a stepper motor. The system allows for the long-term stimulation of a root at a constant angle and yields insights into the gravity perception and transduction machinery not possible with other approaches.
authors.affiliation: Department of Botany and Microbiology, Ohio Wesleyan University, 61 S. Sandusky St., Delaware, OH, 43015, USA, scwolver@owu.edu.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wolverton
mesh_terms: D017360:Arabidopsis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development; D018522:Gravitropism; D018466:Gravity Sensing; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development; D036226:Seedlings / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000235:genetics