cell-division
Cell division is the biological process by which a parent cell divides into two daughter cells, occurring through either mitosis (producing genetically identical cells) or meiosis (producing gametes for sexual reproduction). In plant science, cell division is fundamental to understanding plant growth and development, as plants depend on continuous mitotic division for their characteristic indeterminate growth patterns and tissue renewal. Additionally, meiosis in plants is critical for genetic diversity through sexual reproduction, which drives plant evolution and is essential for crop breeding and agricultural improvement.
open_in_new WikipediaPubMed · 2026-02-20
Plant cells use their internal actin skeleton to maintain proper division orientation, even when cell shape and mechanical stress in tissues suggest otherwise. This research clarifies how plants coordinate structural forces to ensure tissue development follows the right pattern.
Actin cytoskeleton is essential for maintaining cell division plane orientation independent of cellular geometry
Cell divisions typically follow the shortest volume-enclosing path but can deviate perpendicular to growth axis in response to mechanical cues
Tissue-scale mechanical stress guides division orientation, but integration mechanisms require further investigation