Scientists have identified 14 genes that are increased in watercress in response to five different stressors, including salt exposure, drought and heavy metals. They also discovered eight genes that the plant actively represses in response to these stresses.
Watercress serves as a valuable model organism due to its well-mapped genome. Understanding its response to stress at the genetic level provides important information that can be applied to other plants.
Although the study did not examine the specific functions of these genes, it provides a valuable blueprint for future research. Scientists can now focus on understanding how these genes affect the way plants respond to stress, potentially leading to crops that are better adapted to harsh climates.
Source: Ferra
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