According to Purdue University scientists, a newly discovered plant protein complex that apparently switches on plants' growth machinery, has opened a scientific toolbox to learn about both plant and animal development. Results are published in the February issue of the journal The Plant Cell.
The protein complex (ARP2/3) controls the production of actin filaments, which are necessary for cellular growth and movement. These filaments organize the inside of the cell and allow it to grow, and also determine where certain structures in a cell are positioned and how plants respond to gravity and light. Similar structures (myosin), exist in animal muscles.

Hair-like Trichomes on leaves (Courtesy: Purdue)The research showed that a another protein called DISTORTED3 (DIS3) turns on ARP2/3, which in turn triggers formation of new, growing actin filaments(e.g. in trichomes, which are hair-like structures on leaves). Because some genes have survived through time as multicellular life evolved, they have been conserved in both plants and animals. So, some of the plant proteins that comprise the ARP2/3 and the WAVE complexes are interchangeable with proteins in animals, for example, DIS3 has two ends that are common in both plant and animal proteins!
Scientists are now studying these protein complexes to study biochemical reactions (in both plants and animals). This process eventually may allow researchers to design plants better able to protect themselves from insects and disease.