Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026

09:17
Whole-mount Clearing and Staining of Arabidopsis Flower Organs and Siliques
Published on: April 12, 2018
Inflorescence architecture: the transition from branches to flowers.
1Plant Gene Expression Center, US Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Albany, CA 94710, USA. maizesh@nature.berkeley.edu
Current Biology : CB
|December 17, 2008
Summary
Flower and inflorescence architecture, key to plant diversity, are regulated by specific genes. EVERGREEN (EVG) and DOUBLE TOP (DOT) genes control the timing and sequence of inflorescence development in Solanaceous plants.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Developmental genetics
- Evolutionary botany
Background:
- Flower and inflorescence morphology are crucial drivers of plant diversity.
- Understanding the genetic basis of inflorescence development is essential for plant science.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key genetic regulators of inflorescence architecture in Solanaceous species.
- To elucidate the roles of EVERGREEN (EVG) and DOUBLE TOP (DOT) genes in plant development.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of gene expression patterns.
- Genetic studies in Solanaceous species.
- Comparative genomics.
Main Results:
- Identified sequential and temporal gene expression of WUSCHEL-RELATED HOMEOBOX (WOX) gene EVERGREEN (EVG)/ COMPOUND INFLORESCENCE (S) and UNUSUAL FLORAL ORGANS (UFO) ortholog DOUBLE TOP (DOT)/ANANTHA (AN) as critical.
- Demonstrated that EVG and DOT gene regulation dictates inflorescence architecture.
Conclusions:
- EVG and DOT are key regulators of Solanaceous inflorescence diversity.
- The study provides insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying plant form variation.
Related Concept Videos
Morphogenesis
Plant morphogenesis—the development of a plant’s form and structure—involves several overlapping developmental processes, including growth and cell differentiation. Precursor cells differentiate into specific cell types, which are organized into the tissues and organ systems that make up the functional plant.
Pollination and Flower Structure
Flowers are the reproductive, seed-producing structures of angiosperms. Typically, flowers consist of sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels. Sepals and petals are the vegetative flower organs. Stamens and carpels are the reproductive organs.
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.
Fruit Development, Structure, and Function
Fruits form from a mature flower ovary. As seeds develop from the ovules contained within, the ovary wall undergoes a series of complex changes to form fruit. In some fruits, such as soybeans, the ovary wall dries; in other fruits, such as grapes, it remains fleshy. In some cases, organs other than the ovary contribute to fruit formation; such fruits are called accessory fruits.
Plant Tissues
Plants are multicellular eukaryotes with tissue systems made of various cell types that carry out specific functions. Different tissues work together to perform a unique function and form an organ. Organs working together form organ systems. Vascular plants have two distinct organ systems: a shoot system and a root system. The shoot system consists of two portions: the vegetative (non-reproductive) parts of the plant, such as the leaves and the stems, and the reproductive parts of the plant,...
Basic Plant Anatomy: Roots, Stems, and Leaves
The primary organs of vascular plants are roots, stems, and leaves, but these structures can be highly variable, adapted for the specific needs and environment of different plant species.

