From stress to growth: Mechanical tissue interactions in developing organs

Abstract

Plant cells usually grow in a coordinated manner due to rigid cell wall connections. However, individual tissue layers may differ in their growth capacity or elastic properties, creating tissue-level mechanical stresses. While mechanical forces are recognized as a key factor controlling growth and organ posture, the origin and exact patterns of tissue stresses in different organs remain unclear. This review synthesizes current knowledge of tissue mechanics in stems, roots, and leaves, emphasizing stress pattern changes during development, their potential causes, and the tissue-specific regulation of organ growth.