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Genetic and molecular analysis of patterning in plant development
ASGSB Bulletin : Publication of the American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology
|October 1, 1995
Summary
Researchers identified plant homeobox genes influencing leaf arrangement and shape. A mutation affecting maize phyllotaxy suggests a gene regulating meristem size is key to plant patterning.
Area of Science:
- Plant developmental biology
- Genetics
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Phyllotaxy (leaf arrangement) and leaf shape are crucial plant development outcomes.
- Plant patterning mechanisms are complex and involve genetic regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of plant homeobox genes in plant patterning.
- To understand the genetic basis of phyllotaxy and leaf shape determination.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of a family of plant homeobox genes.
- Analysis of gene expression patterns.
- Characterization of a recessive mutation affecting maize phyllotaxy (abphyl).
Main Results:
- Homeobox gene expression patterns correlate with leaf initiation sites.
- Ectopic expression of these genes alters leaf shape.
- The abphyl mutation changes maize phyllotaxy from alternate to opposite.
- Analysis indicates the abphyl gene product regulates meristem size.
Conclusions:
- Plant homeobox genes are key regulators of phyllotaxy and leaf shape.
- Meristem size regulation plays a significant role in plant patterning.
- Both gene expression and physical constraints likely contribute to pattern formation in plants.