Model Cell: Hypocotyl cell
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The cylinderical cells of the hypocotyl represent a set of cells whose developmental behaviour is essential for the survival of a germling and is therefore well conserved between different angiospermic species.
Hypocotyl cells do not elongate properly upon an interference with the actin cytoskeleton. On the contrary, they expand rapidly an exhibit isotropic growth when the microtubule cytoskeleton is compromised.
The distinct actin / microtubule cytoskeleton-related response of hypocotyl cells, their easy accessibility for experimental maniplation as well as their capability to elongate rapidly towards a light source make them a very interesting cell type.
Our lab is developing hypocotyl cells as a model cell type for studying cytoskeletal interactions during higher plant morphogenesis.
