Ups and downs in alfalfa: Proteomic and metabolic changes occurring in the growing stem

- Each region of the stem is characterized by a unique metabolic fingerprint.
- Mitochondrial and chloroplast-related proteins are abundant where fibres develop.
- The enzyme systems for secondary cell-wall deposition are set up in the apical region.
- Forisomes and stress-related proteins accumulate in the most mature, basal region.