How a plant builds leaves

Plant Cell. 2010 Apr;22(4):1006-18. doi: 10.1105/tpc.110.073924. Epub 2010 Apr 27.

Abstract

A leaf develops from a few cells that grow, divide, and differentiate to form a complex organ that is precisely positioned relative to its neighbors. How cells communicate to achieve such coordinated growth and development is the focus of this review. We discuss (1) how the stem cells within the shoot meristem gain competence to form organs, (2) what determines the positioning and initiation of new organs, and (3) how the new organ attains its characteristic shape and polarity. Special emphasis is given to the recent integration of mathematics and physics in the study of leaf development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism
  • Indoleacetic Acids / metabolism
  • Meristem / cytology*
  • Meristem / growth & development
  • Meristem / metabolism
  • Plant Growth Regulators / metabolism
  • Plant Leaves / cytology
  • Plant Leaves / growth & development*
  • Plant Leaves / metabolism
  • Plant Proteins / metabolism
  • Plant Shoots / cytology
  • Plant Shoots / growth & development
  • Plant Shoots / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Stem Cells / cytology
  • Stem Cells / metabolism

Substances

  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • Indoleacetic Acids
  • Plant Growth Regulators
  • Plant Proteins