eprintid: 199
rev_number: 4
eprint_status: archive
userid: 6
dir: disk0/00/00/01/99
datestamp: 2009-01-08
lastmod: 2015-05-29 19:49:14
status_changed: 2009-04-08 16:55:50
type: report
metadata_visibility: show
item_issues_count: 0
creators_name: Holman, Tara
creators_name: Wells, Darren
creators_name: Wilson, Michael
creators_name: Holdsworth, Michael
title: The mechanics of Arabidopsis seed germination
ispublished: pub
subjects: other
studygroups: mpssg1
full_text_status: public
abstract: Germination is defined as the protrusion of the embryonic radicle through the
seed coat layers (endosperm and testa). As the radicle elongates, the testa
ruptures, followed by rupture of the endosperm. Arabidopsis seeds exhibit a
two-step germination process with sequential rupture of the testa and
endosperm.

We are interested in exploring the physical process of germination. Whilst
much effort has previously been placed on genetic networks, a mathematical
approach for furthering the understanding of the physical/mechanical
properties of germination has not yet been described.

The Mathematics in Plant Sciences Study Group helped us to develop a
better understanding of the problem. Several different mathematical models
were generated for radicle growth and endosperm stretching. These models
were developed on multiscale dimensions – looking at the organ, tissue and
cellular levels.

The outcomes of the study group have heightened our interest in the
mechanical aspects of germination, and we are currently progressing with a
grant proposal – a collaboration between the Schools of Biosciences and
Engineering at the University of Nottingham, and a group from the
Department of Biology at the University of Freiburg, Germany.
problem_statement: Germination is defined as the protrusion of the embryonic radicle through the seed coat layers (endosperm and testa). As the radicle elongates, the testa ruptures. This is followed by rupture of the endosperm. Arabidopsis seeds exhibit a two-step germination process with sequential testa and endosperm rupture.

We are interested in exploring the physical process of germination. Whilst much effort has been placed on the genetic networks involved in this process, a mathematical approach for furthering the understanding of the physical/mechanical properties of germination has not yet been described.

During the study group, we would like to gain insight into the pressure that is required for the seed to germinate. How does the size and shape of the radicle and the thickness of the testa affect the force required for the seed to germinate? We are also interested in the role of the endosperm. What sort of mechanical restraint does the endosperm offer? And by how much does the endosperm have to be weakened (enzymatically) for the radicle to protrude?
date: 2007-12
date_type: published
pages: 18
citation:   Holman, Tara and Wells, Darren and Wilson, Michael and Holdsworth, Michael  (2007) The mechanics of Arabidopsis seed germination.  [Study Group Report]     
document_url: http://miis.maths.ox.ac.uk/miis/199/1/report3.pdf