Plant cell-size control: growing by ploidy?

The size of plant cells is determined by genetic, structural and physical factors as well as by internal and external signals. Our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of these controls is still rudimentary. Recent studies indicate that ploidy level exerts an important control on cell size. By increasing ploidy, endoreduplication may allow cells to reach extraordinary sizes. This process is widespread in plants and may provide a means to manipulate the cell volume.