Cytoskeletal, perspectives on root growth and morphogenesis

Growth and development of all plant cells and organs relies on a fully functional cytoskeleton comprised principally of microtubules and microfilaments. These two polymeric macromolecules, because of their location within the cell, confer structure upon, and convey information to, the peripheral regions of the cytoplasm where much of cellular growth is controlled and the formation of cellular identity takes place. Other ancillary molecules, such as motor proteins, are also important in assisting the cytoskeleton to participate in this front-line work of cellular development. Roots provide not only a ready source of cells for fundamental analyses of the cytoskeleton, but the formative zone at their apices also provides a locale whereby experimental studies can be made of how the cytoskeleton permits cells to communicate between themselves and to cooperate with growth-regulating information supplied from the apoplasm.