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LeafJ: An ImageJ Plugin for Semi-automated Leaf Shape Measurement
Published on: January 21, 2013
Shaping up: the genetic control of leaf shape
Sharon Kessler1, Neelima Sinha
1Section of Plant Biology, University of California-Davis, 95616, USA. sakessler@ucdavis.edu
Current Opinion in Plant Biology
|January 21, 2004
Summary
Leaf development relies on balancing cell growth and gene activity. Hormones like auxin, alongside key genes, control leaf shape and size by influencing these processes.
Area of Science:
- Plant developmental biology
- Molecular genetics
- Hormonal regulation in plants
Background:
- Leaf initiation at the shoot apical meristem is a complex process.
- Key genes like CLAVATA and KNOTTED1 are known to be involved.
- Hormonal regulation, particularly auxin, is increasingly recognized for its role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the interplay between meristem genes and hormonal signaling in leaf development.
- To understand how these factors influence leaf shape and size.
- To detail the coordination of cellular processes in final leaf form determination.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of key developmental genes (CLAVATA, WUSCHEL, KNOTTED1, PHANTASTICA).
- Investigation of hormonal gradients and transport, focusing on auxin.
- Examination of cell division and differentiation dynamics.
Main Results:
- Meristem genes, when expressed in primordia, significantly impact leaf morphology.
- KNOTTED1-like genes modulate hormonal level changes.
- Auxin's role in overcoming biophysical constraints for leaf initiation and growth is highlighted.
Conclusions:
- Leaf form is determined by a coordinated regulation of hormonal pathways, cell division, and differentiation.
- Gene expression within leaf primordia critically influences developmental outcomes.
- Understanding these molecular and hormonal interactions is key to plant development.
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