A genetic framework for floral patterning.
The initial steps of flower development involve two classes of consecutively acting regulatory genes. Meristem-identity genes, which act early to control the initiation of flowers, are expressed throughout the incipient floral primordium. Homeotic genes, which act later to specify the identity of individual floral organs, are expressed in distinct domains within the flower. The link between the two classes of genes has remained unknown so far. Here we show that the meristem-identity gene LEAFY has a role in controlling homeotic genes that is separable from its role in specifying floral fate. On the basis of our observation that LEAFY activates different homeotic genes through distinct mechanisms, we propose a genetic framework for the control of floral patterning.
The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA.
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Parcy
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Nilsson
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Busch
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Lee
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Weigel
D026342:AGAMOUS Protein, Arabidopsis; D017360:Arabidopsis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development; D029681:Arabidopsis Proteins; D002460:Cell Line; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D004926:Escherichia coli; D015870:Gene Expression; D005801:Genes, Homeobox; D017343:Genes, Plant; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D026161:MADS Domain Proteins; D010641:Phenotype; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified; D012441:Saccharomyces cerevisiae; D014157:Transcription Factors
D026342:AGAMOUS Protein, Arabidopsis; C091535:AP1 protein, Arabidopsis; C101342:APETALA 3 protein, Arabidopsis; D029681:Arabidopsis Proteins; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; C074747:LFY protein, Arabidopsis; D026161:MADS Domain Proteins; D010940:Plant Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors