Biocenter Martinsried

Figure 1Identification and Expression Pattern of L. japonicus RAM1(A) Gene structure of L. japonicus RAM1 with locations of the identified stop codon mutation (star, ram1-3) and the LORE1 insertion (triangle, ram1-4). Black boxes indicate exons separated by introns (thin lines).(B) Laser scanning confocal images of L. japonicus hairy roots colonized by R. irregularis.

Plants benefit from widespread symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. This symbiosis between plant and fungus aids plants in capturing mineral and micronutrients from the soil. Gutjahr et al. have now identified a component of an intracellular receptor, the hydrolase DWARF 14 LIKE, required in rice roots for initiating the symbiosis. A similar receptor detects karrikins in smoke that signal opportunity for fireweed to grow after a forest fire.