Functional analysis of root elongation zone in hydrotropism in using heavy-ion microbeam

Miyazawa, Yutaka*; Sakashita, Tetsuya; Negishi, Hiroshi*; Kobayashi, Akie*; Kaneyasu, Tomoko*; Oba, Atsushi*; Morohashi, Keita*; Kakizaki, Takehiko*; Funayama, Tomoo; Hamada, Nobuyuki*; Wada, Seiichi*; Kobayashi, Yasuhiko; Fujii, Nobuharu*; Takahashi, Hideyuki*

We examined the role of root cap and elongation zone cells in root hydrotropism of using heavy ion and laser microbeam. Heavy ion microbeam irradiation of the elongation zone, but not that of the columella cells, significantly and temporarily suppressed the development of hydrotropic curvature. However, laser ablation confirmed that columella cells are indispensable for hydrotropism. Systemic heavy ion broad beam irradiation suppressed de novo expression of INDOLE ACETIC ACID 5 gene. Our results indicate that both the root cap and elongation zone have indispensable and functionally distinct roles in root hydrotropism, and that de novo gene expression might be required for hydrotropism in the elongation zone, but not in columella cells.