Genetic underpinnings of environmental stress identified in model plant

Plants can be temperamental. Even weeds along the side of highways or pushing their way up in the cracks of concrete sidewalks can get stressed out by dehydration, cold, excess salt and more. Researchers at Hiroshima University have identified 14 genes that thale cress—a plant commonly used in genetic investigations since its genome is well documented—express more when responding to five specific stressors, as well as eight genes that the plant suppresses.