1 research outputs found
Gradient Mechanical Properties Facilitate <i>Arabidopsis</i> Trichome as Mechanosensor
It has been reported that <i>Arabidopsis thaliana</i> leaf trichome can act as a mechanosensory
switch, transducing mechanical stimuli into physiological signals,
mainly through a buckling instability to focus external force (e.g.,
exerted by insects) on the base of trichome. The material and structural
properties of trichomes remain largely unknown in this buckling instability.
In this report, we mainly focused on material standpoint to explore
the possible mechanism facilitating the buckling instability. We observed
that the Young’s modulus of trichome cell wall decreased gradually
from branch to the base region of trichome. Interestingly, we also
found a corresponding decline of calcium concentration on the trichome
cell wall. Results of finite element method (FEM) simulation suggested
that such a gradient distribution of Young’s modulus significantly
promotes force focusing and buckling instability on the base of trichome.
It is indicated that <i>Arabidopsis</i> trichome has developed
into an active mechanosensor benefiting from gradient cell wall mechanical
properties