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Related Concept Videos

The Angiosperm Life Cycle02:39

The Angiosperm Life Cycle

Plants have a life cycle split between two multicellular stages: a haploid stage—with cells containing one set of chromosomes—and a diploid stage—with cells containing two sets of chromosomes. The haploid stage is the gamete-producing gametophyte, and the diploid stage is the spore-producing sporophyte.
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Seed structures are composed of a protective seed coat surrounding a plant embryo, and a food store for the developing embryo. The embryo contains the precursor tissues for leaves, stem, and roots. The endosperm and cotyledons—seed leaves—act as the food reserves for the growing embryo.

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Whole-mount Clearing and Staining of Arabidopsis Flower Organs and Siliques
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Origin and early evolution of angiosperms.

Douglas E Soltis1, Charles D Bell, Sangtae Kim

  • 1Department of Botany, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA. dsoltis@botany.ufl.edu

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|June 19, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The origin and diversification of flowering plants (angiosperms) are explored using multiple data types. New analyses suggest angiosperms originated 140-180 million years ago, with rapid radiation and whole-genome duplication playing key roles.

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Area of Science:

  • Paleobotany
  • Phylogenetics
  • Genomics
  • Developmental Biology
  • Developmental Genetics

Background:

  • Darwin's "abominable mystery" concerns the origin and rapid diversification of angiosperms.
  • Morphological and molecular data suggest a revised "anthophyte clade" sister to angiosperms, including fossils like glossopterids and Bennettitales.
  • Molecular clock estimates place the crown group angiosperms' age at 140-180 million years ago (Ma), predating the oldest known fossils (132 Ma).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the origin and diversification of angiosperms using an integrated approach.
  • To refine divergence time estimates for angiosperm lineages.
  • To explore the role of polyploidy and developmental genetics in angiosperm evolution.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of morphological and molecular data to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships.
  • Molecular dating using nonparametric rate smoothing and PATHd8 with fossil calibrations.
  • Examination of genomic data for evidence of whole-genome duplication.
  • Comparative analysis of floral gene expression patterns.

Main Results:

  • A revised "anthophyte clade" (glossopterids, Pentoxylon, Bennettitales, Caytonia) is identified as sister to angiosperms.
  • Angiosperm radiation occurred rapidly (
  • Divergence time estimates vary depending on the method, with some suggesting older ages than previously reported.
  • Virtually all angiosperm genomes show evidence of whole-genome duplication.
  • The aquatic habit likely arose early in angiosperm evolution, as suggested by the basal position of Nymphaeales.

Conclusions:

  • The origin and diversification of angiosperms are complex, involving ancient lineages and rapid radiations.
  • Polyploidy (whole-genome duplication) appears to be a significant factor in angiosperm evolution.
  • The early evolution of angiosperm floral morphology and the transition between terrestrial and aquatic habits require further investigation.
  • Discovery of older angiosperm fossils is anticipated.