Functional Modules in the Meristems: "Tinkering" in Action.

Area of Science:

• Plant developmental biology
• Molecular genetics
• Evolutionary botany

Background:

• Higher plants exhibit modular body organization, with meristems as key structures regulating growth, histogenesis, and organogenesis.
• Meristems contain stem cell pools and follow common organizational principles.
• Meristem development is controlled by molecular modules with conserved components that modulate gene expression based on developmental context.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review two critical molecular modules regulating plant meristem activity.
• To discuss the composition, function, and peculiarities of these modules in various meristem types.
• To explore the evolutionary aspects and potential applications in plant breeding.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of molecular and genetic studies on plant meristems.
• Analysis of conserved molecular components and their interactions.
• Comparative study of module functions across different plant species and meristem types.

Main Results:

• The WOX-CLAVATA module, comprising a peptide ligand, receptor, and transcription factor, governs the formation and activity of diverse meristem types.
• The florigen-activated complex regulates phase transitions in shoot meristems, such as the switch from vegetative to inflorescence development.
• Both modules exhibit conserved functions but possess specific characteristics adapted to different meristem contexts.

Conclusions:

• These two molecular modules are fundamental to understanding plant development and evolutionary trajectories.
• Their composition, functions, and evolutionary history provide insights into plant architecture.
• Knowledge of these modules can be leveraged for targeted applications in plant breeding programs.