Why does an oak tree live longer than an elephant?

Scientists have found out why plants can live longer than animals

RIA NewsMany plants, unlike animals, can live for hundreds of years because they have a stock of cells with "pure" DNA without accumulated harmful mutations that can replace other cells if necessary, according to an article published in the journal Science (Heyman et al., ERF115 Controls Root Quiescent Center Cell Division and Stem Cell Replacement – VM).

"Our data show that certain organizing stem cells in plant roots are less sensitive to DNA damage. These cells retain the original intact copy of DNA and can be used, if necessary, to replace damaged cells. Animals have a similar mechanism, but apparently plants use it more efficiently. This may explain why many plants can live for hundreds of years, while among animals such long–livers are extremely rare," explained Lieven De Veylder from Ghent University (Belgium).

Plant growth is based on the constant production of new tissues from the accumulation of stem cells in the center of the root. The key to maintaining the activity of these stem cells is a small group of cells of the so-called resting center, which divide 3-10 times slower than the stem cells surrounding them, and can serve as a replacement for them if necessary. Until now, the mechanism of interaction between these two types of cells was unknown to scientists.

De Weilder and his colleagues found a new protein ERF115 in experiments on Tal's rhesus, without which cell division of the resting center occurs very slowly. When the stem cells surrounding them are damaged, this protein is activated and triggers the production of the hormone phytosulfokine, which triggers cell division of the resting center.

Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru25.10.2013