Plant roots exhibit dynamic changes in elongation rates, influenced by the plant’s underlying physiology, genetics and the growth environment. Roots elongate by a combination of cell production and cell expansion within the root meristems.

Confocal microscopy of Arabidopsis thaliana labelled with the fluorescent protein GFP targeted to the plasma membrane (LTI6b - GFP), allows the cellular structure of roots to be visualised (image 1, right). Using short time sequences of these images root growth can also be visualised. To quantify the growth dynamics and to analyse the growth process we are developing image analysis software that can estimate motion rates within these image sequences at high temporal and spatial resolution. Whole root images or specific areas of the root can be analysed separately.

For example, image 2 (above) shows areas on opposite sides of the root which have been selected for analysis. The different rates of movement at the root tip detected by the software can be seen in image 3 (below). The developed software will allow us to evaluate changes in root growth rate under stress and to study in detail the expansion of cells in the elongation zone of roots. We are also developing software which will allow 4D (xyzt) sequences to be analysed.

Funded by BBSRC.

People involved

Glyn Bengough, Tracy Valentine (previously involved - Nathalie Wuyts, Joachim Hans) - SCRI, Environment Plant Interactions

Stephen McKenna, Tim Roberts - University of Dundee, School of Computing

Fraser Bransby - University of Dundee, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Jim Haseloff, Lionel Dupuy - University of Cambridge, Department of Plant Sciences