Induction of leaves directly from leaves in the maize mutant Lax midrib1-O.
One of the several phenes specified by the maize dominant mutation Lax midrib1-O (Lxm1-O on 3L) is the proliferation of leaf "flaps" usually paired around veins on the abaxial leaf surface. Using histology and scanning electron microscopy, we show these flaps to be authentic leaf structures; in rare instances, complete ectopic leaves are found. The first divisions preceding flap emergence occur between plastochrons 4 and 7, stages when the course of leaf differentiation is well under way. No sign of meristem or any small, densely cytoplasmic primordium-like cells were seen at the sites of flap initiation. In addition, the sites of ectopic leaf initiation do not express KNOX (Knotted-like homeobox) proteins, a molecular marker for shoot apical meristem cell identity. Thus, the cells that proliferate into ectopic leaves do not arise from a meristem or a primordium. A similar phenomenon has been described in several dicots, but in no other monocots. The details of flap morphology compared to the morphology of the leaf proper suggest a model whereby cells in regions of the leaf proper maintain the competence they acquired in the meristem. These cells then respond properly, in a regulated manner, to a delayed signal emanating from veins denoting "make the organ you are competent to make."
Schichnes
D
D
Department of Plant Biology, University of California, Berkeley 94720, USA.
Schneeberger
R
R
Freeling
M
M
D018519:Meristem / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009024:Morphogenesis; D009154:Mutation; D010641:Phenotype; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003313:Zea mays / Q000235:genetics*