PlantVis - Computer Visualisation and Modelling of Plant Morphogenesis
Abstract | Investigators

Abstract

This project aims to visualise and model dynamic cell growth and expansion processes in the Arabidopsis root; processes of fundamental importance to our understanding of plant function and morphogenesis. The project will use techniques drawn from the fields of computer vision and statistical modelling, geotechnical engineering, root biophysics, and molecular and cell-biology. It will provide a computational framework for interfacing with future developments and studies in cell biology, and build upon work funded in E-Science1 visualising cell-cell interactions in the Arabidopsis root meristem. The software will include a simulation facility, whereby the effect of changing the rules of cell growth in specific ways may be simulated and visualised, to ask 'what if?' questions. We will apply the technique to study the coordination of growth between cells in the different root tissues, and specifically whether one cell-type (the endodermis) controls root elongation. This biological question will be linked to cellular mechanisms controlling the direction of cell expansion, via the cytoskeleton and specifically microtubular orientation. All software developed will be open-source and, where appropriate, will be made compatible with the Open Microscopy Environment being developed within the research community.

Recent Publications

Part-Based Multi-Frame Registration for Estimation of the Growth Of Cellular Networks in Plant Roots, for appear in International Conference of Pattern Recognition (ICPR) 2006, Hong Kong.

Root responses to soil physical conditions; growth dynamics from field to cell. Bengough et al J. of Exp. Botany 2006 57(2):437-447; doi:10.1093/jxb/erj003.

Escience Posters

- Poster 1: Optical flow methods and results poster.

- Poster 2: High level models of shape and dynamics, mechanical properties and genetics.

Funded by: