Dual-Flow RootChip Reveals Local Adaptations of Roots Towards Environmental Asymmetry at the Physiological and Genetic Levels

The study utilized the dual‐flow‐RootChip, a microfluidic platform, to explore how Arabidopsis roots adapt to environmental heterogeneity at both physiological and genetic levels. The research revealed that roots could locally adapt through cell-autonomous responses, particularly in root hair development under asymmetric phosphate (Pi) conditions. Specifically, root hair growth was repressed on the side with low Pi exposure, while rapid growth was observed when Pi concentrations increased. Additionally, asymmetric gene expression of RSL 4, a key regulator of root hair growth, was noted. These findings highlighted the roots' ability to adapt to diverse microenvironments, providing insights into root-environment interactions.