Spatially specific mechanisms and functions of the plant circadian clock

Like many organisms, plants have evolved a genetic network, the circadian clock, to coordinate processes with day/night cycles. In plants, the clock is a pervasive regulator of development and modulates many aspects of physiology. Clock-regulated processes range from the correct timing of growth and cell division to interactions with the root microbiome. Recently developed techniques, such as single-cell time-lapse microscopy and single-cell RNA-seq, are beginning to revolutionize our understanding of this clock regulation, revealing a surprising degree of organ, tissue, and cell-type specificity. In this review, we highlight recent advances in our spatial view of the clock across the plant, both in terms of how it is regulated and how it regulates a diversity of output processes. We outline how understanding these spatially specific functions will help reveal the range of ways that the clock provides a fitness benefit for the plant. Emerging tools and techniques provide insights into how the behavior and outputs of the circadian clock vary across the plant.

Automated summary

Plants have evolved a genetic network, called the circadian clock, to coordinate processes with day/night cycles. This clock regulates development and influences various physiological aspects of plants. Recent advancements in technology have provided insights into the spatial view and specificity of this clock regulation, highlighting its significance in providing fitness benefits for plants.