Epidermal trichomes function as mechanosensors, but how trichome-less plants perceive mechanical forces remains unclear. Touching epidermal pavement cells with micro-cantilevers, we discovered distinct cytosolic calcium waves upon application and release of small forces. Thus, not only do plants perceive forces independently of trichomes, they may also distinguish touch from letting go.
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References
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This is a summary of: Howell, A. H. et al. Pavement cells distinguish touch from letting go. Nat. Plants https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-023-01418-9 (2023).
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Applying and releasing small compressive forces to cells induces distinct calcium waves. Nat. Plants 9, 858–859 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-023-01444-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-023-01444-7
