Polarity proteins shape efficient ’breathing’ pores in grasses

One of the two 'compass proteins' (POLAR, in pink ) orients the future cell division. In grey are cell outlines on the developing leaf. Courtesy of Michael T. Raissig - A research group at the University of Bern is studying how plants "breathe". They have gained new insights into how grasses develop efficient "breathing pores" on their leaves. If important landmark components in this development process are missing, the gas exchange between plant and atmosphere is impaired. The findings are also important regarding climate change. Grasses have "respiratory pores" (called stomata) that open and close to regulate the uptake of carbon dioxide for photosynthesis on the one hand and water loss through transpiration on the other.