Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Determination of DNA Methylation of Imprinted Genes in Arabidopsis Endosperm
Published on: January 28, 2011
[Advances in DNA methylation regulation of flower bud differentiation and flowering phenotypes in plants]
Shiqian Chen1,2, Yunchun Zhang1,2, Wanwan Jiao1,2
1College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
Abstract:
DNA methylation is an important epigenetic modification that plays a significant role in various processes of plant growth and development, particularly in flower development. Studies on multiple horticultural plants have revealed that during flower development, changes in environmental temperature, photoperiod, and endogenous phytohormones can lead to either a decrease or an increase in DNA methylation. This process primarily regulates phenotypes such as flower bud differentiation, flower sex differentiation, flowering time, petal color, petal number, and flower senescence by modulating the expression of flower development-related genes (e.g., FT, FLC, AP1, and MYB). Treatment with DNA methylation inhibitors during flower development can reduce the level of DNA methylation, thereby altering flowering time, flower bud differentiation processes, and related flowering phenotypes. This article first provides an overview of the regulatory mechanisms of DNA methylation and its effects on plant growth and development. It then reviews the types and mechanisms of DNA methylation inhibitors, with a focus on the research progress in DNA methylation regulation of flower bud differentiation, flower sex differentiation, flowering process, and flowering phenotypes. The findings offer insights for further unveiling the molecular roles of DNA methylation in plant flower development and its applications in agricultural production.
Related Concept Videos
Morphogenesis
Epigenetic Regulation
X-chromosome...
Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic Regulation
Position-effect Variegation
Chromatin Modification in iPS Cells
Compact chromatin makes reprogramming difficult. Enzymes, such as histone demethylases and acetyltransferases, are often added during reprogramming to loosen the chromatin, making the DNA more accessible to transcription factors. Molecules that inhibit histone...

