jumpincactus
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Excellent paper, I will post link to full PDF rather than lock up server space.
Here is a teaser,
Our understanding of the biology, biochemistry,
and genetic development of roots has considerably
improved during the last decade (Smith and Fedoroff,
1995; Flores et al., 1999; Benfey and Scheres,
2000). In contrast, the processes mediated by roots in
the rhizosphere such as the secretion of root border
cells and root exudates are not yet well understood
(Hawes et al., 2000). In addition to the classical roles
of providing mechanical support and allowing water/nutrient
uptake, roots also perform certain specialized
roles, including the ability to synthesize, accumulate,
and secrete a diverse array of compounds
(Flores et al., 1999). Given the complexity and biodiversity
of the underground world, roots are clearly
not passive targets for soil organisms. Rather, the
compounds secreted by plant roots serve important
roles as chemical attractants and repellants in the
rhizosphere, the narrow zone of soil immediately
surrounding the root system (Estabrook and Yoder,
1998; Bais et al., 2001). The chemicals secreted into
the soil by roots are broadly referred to as root exudates.
Through the exudation of a wide variety of
compounds, roots may regulate the soil microbial
community in their immediate vicinity, cope with
herbivores, encourage beneficial symbioses,
Here is a teaser,
Our understanding of the biology, biochemistry,
and genetic development of roots has considerably
improved during the last decade (Smith and Fedoroff,
1995; Flores et al., 1999; Benfey and Scheres,
2000). In contrast, the processes mediated by roots in
the rhizosphere such as the secretion of root border
cells and root exudates are not yet well understood
(Hawes et al., 2000). In addition to the classical roles
of providing mechanical support and allowing water/nutrient
uptake, roots also perform certain specialized
roles, including the ability to synthesize, accumulate,
and secrete a diverse array of compounds
(Flores et al., 1999). Given the complexity and biodiversity
of the underground world, roots are clearly
not passive targets for soil organisms. Rather, the
compounds secreted by plant roots serve important
roles as chemical attractants and repellants in the
rhizosphere, the narrow zone of soil immediately
surrounding the root system (Estabrook and Yoder,
1998; Bais et al., 2001). The chemicals secreted into
the soil by roots are broadly referred to as root exudates.
Through the exudation of a wide variety of
compounds, roots may regulate the soil microbial
community in their immediate vicinity, cope with
herbivores, encourage beneficial symbioses,
