Developmental timing in plants

Abstract

Plants exhibit reproducible timing of developmental events at multiple scales, from switches in cell identity to maturation of the whole plant. Control of developmental timing likely evolved for similar reasons that humans invented clocks: to coordinate events. However, whereas clocks are designed to run independently of conditions, plant developmental timing is strongly dependent on growth and environment. Using simplified models to convey key concepts, we review how growth-dependent and inherent timing mechanisms interact with the environment to control cyclical and progressive developmental transitions in plants.

Male Germ Cell Specification in Plants

“…Additionally, this coordination might be associated with the depletion of meristematic potential at the shoot apical meristem. Since developmental timing in plants is proposed to be strongly dependent on growth [ 121 ], auxin, as a key factor of both long-distance and local signals in orchestrating plant growth and morphogenesis, might be a good candidate for further investigation into its potential role in coordinating germ cell specification throughout the plant. With the rapid advancement of cutting-edge imaging techniques, computational modeling, and the emergence of novel model systems (e.g., [ 122 ]), we are poised to gain a deeper understanding of how plants specify their germ cells.…”