Summary
Using roots of maize, we tested the hypothesis that the origin and maintenance of the quiescent center (QC) are a consequence of polar auxin supply. Exposing roots to the polar auxin transport inhibitor 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA), or to low temperature (4 °C, with subsequent return to 24 °C), enhances mitotic frequency within the QC. In both treatments, the QC most typically is activated at its distal face, and the protoderm/dermatogen undergoes several periclinal divisions. As a result, the root body penetrates and ruptures the root cap junction and the characteristic “closed” apical organization changes to “open”. A QC persists during these changes in apical organization, but it is diminished in size. The data from the TIBA-treated roots suggest a role for auxin in the origin and maintenance of the QC, and further, that alterations in QC dimensions are a consequence of polar auxin supply. We hypothesize that the root cap, and specifically the root cap initials, are important in regulating polar auxin movements towards the root apex, and hence are important in determining the status of the QC.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
Abbreviations
- QC:
-
quiescent center
- TIBA:
-
2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid
References
Barlow PW (1976) Towards an understanding of the behaviour of root meristems. J Theor Biol 57: 433–451
—, Adam JS (1989) The response of the primary root meristem ofZea mays L. to various periods of cold. J Exp Bot 40: 81–88
—, Rathfelder EL (1985) Cell division and regeneration in primary root meristems ofZea mays recovering from cold treatment. Exp Environ Bot 25: 303–314
Clowes FAL (1978) Origin of the quiescent centre inZea mays. New Phytol 80: 409–419
— (1982) The growth fraction of the quiescent centre. New Phytol 91: 129–135
— (1984) Size and activity of quiescent centres of roots. New Phytol 96: 13–21
—, Stewart H (1967) Recovery from dormancy in roots. New Phytol 66: 115–123
—, Wadekar R (1989) Instability in the root meristem ofZea mays L. during growth. New Phytol 111: 19–24
Feldman LJ (1975) Cytokinins and quiescent center activity. In: Torrey JG, Clarkson D (eds) The development and function of roots. Academic Press, London, pp 55–72
— (1981) Effect of auxin on acropetal auxin transport in roots of corn. Plant Physiol 67: 278–281
—, Torrey JG (1975) The quiescent center and primary vascular tissue pattern formation in cultured roots ofZea. Can J Bot 53: 2796–2803
Hinchee MAW, Rost TL (1992) The control of lateral root development in cultured pea seedlings. II Root fasciation induced by auxin inhibitors. Bot Acta 105: 121–126
Jensen WA (1962) Botanical histochemistry. WH Freeman, San Francisco
Katekar GF, Geissler E (1980) Auxin transport inhibitors. IV. Evidence of a common mode of action for a proposed class of auxin transport inhibitors: the phytotropins. Plant Physiol 66: 1190–1195
Murashige T, Skoog F (1962) A revised medium for rapid growth and bioassays with tobacco tissue cultures. Physiol Plant 15: 473–497
Torrey JG (1972) On the initiation of organization in the root apex. In: Miller MW, Kuehnert CC (eds) The dynamics of meristem populations. Plenum, New York, pp 1–3
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Dedicated to the memory of Professor John G. Torrey
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Kerk, N., Feldman, L. The quiescent center in roots of maize: initiation, maintenance and role in organization of the root apical meristem. Protoplasma 183, 100–106 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01276817
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01276817