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Plant Root Growth

How do plant roots navigate through soils of varying stiffness? We have imaged plant root growth in 3D using a simple laser sheet imaging setup. This 3D glimpse of plant root dynamics has revealed an interesting helical growth pattern that occurs in response to interfaces between layers of different stiffnesses.   Take a look at Sharon's 2009 APS March Meeting talk on plant root growth.  The movies referenced in the talk may be found below.

 

 

 

 

 

Movie 1 - Branched Plant Root

 

 

Movie 2 - Plant Root - 3 layer buckling

 

 

Movie 3 - Plant Root - 2 layer buckling