The octameric exocyst complex is thought to act as a whole to tether vesicles before fusion. In this study, exocyst subunit EXO70A1 was found to play a unique role in recruiting cytosolic PATL3 onto the cell membrane, independent of the conventional role of the exocyst in secretory/recycling vesicle-tethering.

Top three leaves in rice determine plant type and grain yield. Using one japonica×indica cross, we identified 30 genomic regions and then confirmed 23 of them affecting length and width of the top three leaves. Compared with length, width is more correlated with each other, sharing more common genes.

Unlike most early-divergent flowering plants, Annonaceae species produce copious stigmatic fluid when receptive. We investigated the role of this exudate, and provided evidence to support three functions: as a food reward for pollinators; as a pollen germination medium; and as a medium that allows pollen tube growth between separate carpels.

AKT1 is an important K⁺ channel that mediates K⁺ uptake in Arabidopsis root. Here, we demonstrated that AKT1 plays an essential role in Arabidopsis response to low K⁺ stress. AKT1 can perceive external K⁺ concentration and subsequently regulate primary root growth by modulating PIN1 degradation and auxin redistribution.