Seedlings of Thale Cress II (IMAGE) Technical University of Munich (TUM) Caption Seedlings of thale cress (Arabidopsis). A research team led by scientists at the Technical University of Munich has discovered, that the KAI2 protein regulates essential functions of root and root hair growth. The findings not only promote a more thorough understanding of how plants work, but can also be used to breed plants which are better able to absorb nutrients and water from the soil. Credit Andreas Battenberg / TUM Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.