Trichomes: How single cells get shaped

This microscopy image captures a very dynamic process, the organisation of the microtubule cytoskeleton in forming trichomes. Trichomes are hair-like structures found on the surface of plants. They serve several purposes, such as protection from herbivores, reduction of water loss, and temperature regulation. To achieve their distinct shape, tight control of the different cytoskeleton components is necessary. Here we see the subcellular localization of a fluorescent-tagged MICROTUBULE ASSOCIATED PROTEIN, which highlights cortical microtubules at the leaf surface of Arabidopsis thaliana throughout the different stages of trichome development.
by Dorothee