| Global climate change is a growing concern due to its worldwide effect on the environment. Plant biomass is currently used as an indication of carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration from the atmosphere. However, roots are often excluded and since roots exhibit the greatest relative increase in biomass and they should not be ignored.; In my thesis, I examined the response of the architecture and the anatomy of roots exposed to elevated CO2 conditions. Elevated CO2 substantially increases root lengths and numbers and thus increased root branching to a dichotomous branching pattern. There is also evidence of secondary growth in the root. I also determined the mechanism by which elevated CO2 stimulates root growth and development by using sucrose to mimic elevated CO2 conditions. Sucrose response in roots is similar to elevated CO2. Auxin and cytokinin in conjunction with elevated CO2 can influence root growth and development by increased length and number of roots. |
