Seedlings of Thale Cress I (IMAGE) Technical University of Munich (TUM) Caption Seedlings of thale cress (Arabidopsis). A research group led by scientists at the Technical University of Munich found 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 useful 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.