Development and dynamics of cuticle pattern on Arabidopsis thaliana sepal surface

Structure and composition of plant cell walls are crucial in development. Especially important are the surface walls of the organ, which are the stiffest and separate plant from the outside world. Surface of these walls is a film of waxes and fatty acids called the cuticle. An interesting phenomenon related to properties of the organ surface is formation of a characteristic cuticle pattern on the cell wall surface during organ development. There are two theoretical models explaining formation process. Both assume that cuticular ridges are formed by buckling of the outermost layer of the cell wall, but differ in assumptions. Despite these differences, the models can generate the same cuticular patterns, similar to those observed in nature. Therefore, detailed empirical investigations on cell surface growth and shape changes that accompany the formation of cuticular patterns, as well as the assessment of biomechanical parameters of the cell wall are necessary to verify the models or propose the new one. This is the aim of the project.

Faculty Supervisor:

Daniel Kierzkowski

Student:

Partner:

University of Silesia

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Biotechnology; Education; Environmental Science and Technology

University:

Université de Montréal

Program: