Mathematical Modeling of the Dynamics of Shoot-Root Interactions and Resource Partitioning in Plant Growth

摘要: Plants are highly plastic in their potential to adapt changing environmental conditions. For example, they can selectively promote the relative growth of root and shoot response limiting supply mineral nutrients light, respectively, a phenomenon that is referred as balanced or functional equilibrium. To gain insight into regulatory network controls this phenomenon, we took systems biology approach combines experimental work with mathematical modeling. We developed model representing activities (nutrient water uptake) (photosynthesis), interactions through exchange substrates sugar phosphate (Pi). The has been calibrated validated two independent data sets obtained Petunia hybrida. It involves realistic environment day-and-night cycle, which necessitated introduction transitory carbohydrate storage pool an endogenous clock for coordination metabolism environment. Our main goal was grasp dynamic adaptation shoot:root ratio result changes light Pi supply. results our study agreement hypothesis, suggesting plants maintain equilibrium between activity based on differential these compartments. Furthermore, indicate resource partitioning be understood emergent property many local physiological processes without explicit functions. Based its encouraging predictive power, will further tool analyze crops.