Scientists find stem cell switch

JIC scientists have discovered how **plant stem cells** in roots detect soil structure and whether it is favourable for growth. Poor soil structure is a problem in tropical **agriculture**, where soil becomes compact as it dries out. “We believe this is a first step towards understanding how plants respond to soil compaction. Armed with this understanding we can start to devise ways to tackle it”, said research leader Professor Liam Dolan, of the John Innes Centre in Norwich, UK. The research team determined that the **hormone ethylene** regulates cell division in root stem cells. Ethylene is known to play a role in perceiving and communicating environmental cues. #img_724#.<> Whole article on "JIC":[ http://www.jic.ac.uk/corporate/media-and-public/current-releases/070727.htm]

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