Aurélie Urbain

Previous studies in our laboratory established that Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is a powerful tool for the detection of primary cell wall modifications in different cell wall mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana.

Our project goal is to better define cell wall modifications that appear during cell elongation in growing organs such as the root. We acquire infrared spectra along the root elongation axis from the root tip to the first root hair. We used a innovative statistical algorithm implementing a simultaneous multiple change-point method that allows us to
identify homogenous zones in the root from infrared spectra. This method permits the identification of wavenumbers specific for different developmental stages in the root.

Using this approach, the effect of herbicide treatments were studied. We were able to establish a relationship between the specific action of these compounds and changes in the position of zones in the root. Our method allowed the development of a new tool that sheds light on structural modifications of the cell wall occuring during growth of the root.