控制植物干细胞运作的“核心开关”被找到 有望实现农作物生长模式与产量性状的精准设计

Core Viewpoint - Chinese scientists have discovered the "core switch" that controls the "smart program" of plant stem cell walls, which is crucial for regulating stem cell activity and, consequently, plant growth and crop yield [1][2][3]. Group 1: Plant Stem Cells and Their Importance - Plant stem cells serve as the source of growth and regeneration in plants, directly influencing crop yield and quality [2][5]. - Unlike animal stem cells, plant stem cells are surrounded by a cell wall that plays a significant role in their activity and regulation [2][4]. Group 2: Discovery of the "Smart Program" - The research team identified a unique "dual-mode" distribution in the cell walls of plant stem cells, with mature walls being highly methylated and new walls being temporarily demethylated, which is essential for maintaining the stem cell microenvironment [3][4]. - A specific enzyme was found that can manipulate the advanced structural modifications of the cell wall, influencing whether a cell remains a stem cell or differentiates [4][5]. Group 3: Implications for Crop Improvement - The regulatory mechanism discovered is conserved across various crops such as corn, soybeans, and tomatoes, linking stem cell vitality to key agronomic traits like plant height and fruit size [5]. - By utilizing the "precise design of cell walls" strategy, there is potential to enhance the activity of crop meristems and increase yield, contributing to food security and sustainability goals [5].