The importance of being edgy: cell geometric edges as an emerging polar domain in plant cells

Abstract

Polarity is an essential feature of multicellular organisms and underpins growth and development as well as physiological functions. In polyhedral plant cells, polar domains at different faces have been studied in detail. In recent years, cell edges (where two faces meet) have emerged as discrete spatial domains with distinct biochemical identities. Here, we review and discuss recent advances in our understanding of cell edges as functional polar domains in plant cells and other organisms, highlighting conceptual parallels and open questions regarding edge polarity.