Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 13, 2026

Preparation of Intact Tissue for Microscopic Analysis of the Endosperm Cell Layer in Developing and Mature Arabidopsis Seeds
Published on: May 16, 2025
Non-inductive conditions expose the cryptic bract of flower phytomeres in Arabidopsis thaliana
Ralf Müller-Xing1, Daniel Schubert, Justin Goodrich
1a Institute of Genetics ; Heinrich-Heine-University ; Düsseldorf , Germany.
Abstract:
The aerial plant architecture is built by phytomeres which are metameric units, each composed of a stem segment (internode) and a leaf with axillary meristem (node). In Arabidopsis thaliana, fully developed flower phytomeres lack the leaf even if they temporarily exhibit a cryptic bract (CB) during early development. Recently, we demonstrated that the CB becomes more prominent under non-inductive short-day conditions. However, a full outgrowth as cauline leaf is prevented by Polycomb-group (Pc-G) proteins which silence the MADS gene FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) encoding a repressor of FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT). Also the loss of SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE (SVP) supresses ectopic leaves at the base of Pc-G deficient pedicels. Here we present new expression data of flowering genes LEAFY (LFY) and TWIN SISTER OF FT (TSF) and the re-analysis of morphological changes in Pc-G deficient plants suggesting that the specifications of CB and floral meristem (FM) are separated in time.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Cell Signaling in Plants
Biological Clocks and Seasonal Responses
Morphogenesis
The Phragmoplast
The...

