Continue to Grow

A close-up photograph of the base of a corn stalk emerging from dry, sandy soil. Several thick, finger-like brace roots extend from the green stalk and anchor into the ground; these roots are a deep reddish-purple at the bottom, while new roots higher up on the stalk show a gradient of yellow, orange, and red. The lighting is bright and natural, highlighting the ribbed texture of the stalk and the dry earth surrounding it.

Label: Continue to Grow
Artist: Lauren Schulte
Description: We grow maize plants in a variety of genetic backgrounds in order to study gene regulatory mechanisms. Here we see brace roots aiding in the plant’s stability as it grows. By studying how maize genes are regulated we can further understand maize development and aid agricultural endeavors.
Type: Cell Phone Camera
Artist Affiliation: Graduate Student
Department: Biological Science
Area of Research: Maize Epigenetics
Date: 2016