Identification of Mendel's white flower character.
BACKGROUND
The genetic regulation of flower color has been widely studied, notably as a character used by Mendel and his predecessors in the study of inheritance in pea.


RESULTS
We used the genome sequence of model legumes, together with their known synteny to the pea genome to identify candidate genes for the A and A2 loci in pea. We then used a combination of genetic mapping, fast neutron mutant analysis, allelic diversity, transcript quantification and transient expression complementation studies to confirm the identity of the candidates.


CONCLUSIONS
We have identified the pea genes A and A2. A is the factor determining anthocyanin pigmentation in pea that was used by Gregor Mendel 150 years ago in his study of inheritance. The A gene encodes a bHLH transcription factor. The white flowered mutant allele most likely used by Mendel is a simple G to A transition in a splice donor site that leads to a mis-spliced mRNA with a premature stop codon, and we have identified a second rare mutant allele. The A2 gene encodes a WD40 protein that is part of an evolutionarily conserved regulatory complex.
Hellens
Roger P
RP
The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand.
Moreau
Carol
C
Lin-Wang
Kui
K
Schwinn
Kathy E
KE
Thomson
Susan J
SJ
Fiers
Mark W E J
MW
Frew
Tonya J
TJ
Murray
Sarah R
SR
Hofer
Julie M I
JM
Jacobs
Jeanne M E
JM
Davies
Kevin M
KM
Allan
Andrew C
AC
Bendahmane
Abdelhafid
A
Coyne
Clarice J
CJ
Timmerman-Vaughan
Gail M
GM
Ellis
T H Noel
TH
D000483:Alleles; D003116:Color; D035264:Flowers / Q000235:genetics*; D017343:Genes, Plant; D009154:Mutation; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics
D012333:RNA, Messenger