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Updated: Jul 21, 2026

Floral-dip Transformation of Arabidopsis thaliana to Examine pTSO2::β-glucuronidase Reporter Gene Expression
Published on: June 11, 2010
Activation of a floral homeotic gene in Arabidopsis
M A Busch1, K Bomblies, D Weigel
1The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
Abstract:
The patterned expression of floral homeotic genes in Arabidopsis depends on the earlier action of meristem-identity genes such as LEAFY, which encodes a transcription factor that determines whether a meristem will generate flowers instead of leaves and shoots. The LEAFY protein, which is expressed throughout the flower, participates in the activation of homeotic genes, which are expressed in specific regions of the flower. Analysis of a LEAFY-responsive enhancer in the homeotic gene AGAMOUS indicates that direct interaction of LEAFY with this enhancer is required for its activity in plants. Thus, LEAFY is a direct upstream regulator of floral homeotic genes.
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