Friday, September 4, 2026
Science

Wrinkled or smooth? Cell growth mechanics determine shape of plant organs

When inner and outer cell layers of sepals—the leaf-like plant organs that cover and protect the flower bud before it opens—all grow upward, the organs stay smooth and uniformly stiff, which is optimal for the plant, according to a new study.

Wrinkled or smooth? Cell growth mechanics determine shape of plant organs
Image: Phys.org
When inner and outer cell layers of sepals—the leaf-like plant organs that cover and protect the flower bud before it opens—all grow upward, the organs stay smooth and uniformly stiff, which is optimal for the plant, according to a new study.

Originally published at Phys.org

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